Sébastien Vrancx (1573–1647) Allegory of Spring, Picnic in a Park

Sébastien VRANCX (Antwerp 1573 – 1647)?

Allegory of Spring, Picnic in the Park of a Castle

Oil on panel, 29 x 41.5 cm

The composition depicts a lively outdoor scene taking place in a wooded garden. In the foreground, a group of elegantly dressed figures are gathered around a picnic spread out on a white tablecloth laid on the ground, on which dishes, bread, bottles and a roast chicken are arranged. Several figures are seated or reclining on the grass, while others are standing or moving about.

On the left, a couple is depicted sitting at the foot of a tree. In the centre, a man holding a hat invites a young woman to dance or to stand up, while in the background other figures converse or observe the scene. On the right, a musician plays a wind instrument, accompanied by female figures standing or sitting, some holding glasses.

The background opens onto a green landscape dotted with paths, hills and distant figures, with a monumental building on the left, resembling a castle or stately home, partially surrounded by water. The scene is framed by large trees whose foliage forms a natural canopy.

The whole scene is rendered with great attention to detail in the costumes, attitudes and objects, in a palette dominated by greens, browns and warm tones in the clothing, enlivened by accents of red, yellow and black.