E. Martinez Paintings

Flemish school, 17th century Orpheus and the animals Oil on canvas, 146,5 x 217 cm Provenance: South German private collection. On an impressive, room-filling format, this painting depicts "Orpheus and the Animals." The harp-playing Orpheus sits centrally in front of a tree whose trunk bifurcates above his head. This central tree frames with its crown the scenery towards the horizon and at the same time offers through branches the possibility for many birds to find space. The left half of the picture is characterized by a seascape, at the edge of which the ruins of a castle can be seen deep in the background. This seascape, framed by mountains on the horizon, is the only area where sky can be seen. On this side, waterfowl such as storks, swans and ducks can be seen. In the right half, the viewer looks into a deep European forest. On this right side, more land animals can be found, such as deer, rabbits and lions, among others. Orpheus wears opulent red and gold trimmed clothing, under his blue breastplate we see a white shirt. His feet are adorned by elaborate sandals. His head is surrounded by a radiant laurel wreath ("poeta laureatus"). The young man is clearly identifiable as the singer and poet of Greek mythology, Orpheus, by his harp, the laurel wreath and the animals surrounding him. Orpheus was one of the Argonauts who, under Jason, was searching for the Golden Fleece. He sang so beautifully that he even conquered the angry sea and enemies by the magic of his lyre. During the journey, Orpheus is said to have drowned out even the sirens with his singing. It is said that he was the greatest of all poets and charmed people, animals, stones and trees with his singing. In total, 51 birds and 37 different species are depicted in the painting. The animals are mostly depicted in great detail and, except for a few, can be identified. Mainly European species of animals are shown. Exceptions are the ostrich-like nandu peeking out from behind the deer, as well as the large parrot on the upper left, and the two lions. Similar is the case for the large animal directly behind Orpheus on the right. The shape of the head suggests an arctic fox from the polar regions, even though the body is much too large. The arctic fox was first described in 1555 by Olaus Magnus. However, it could also be a depiction of a brown or black bear. An unusual detail is the animal, which is relatively isolated in the right background and looks to the left. It is not clearly identifiable, but it shows certain similarities with the Australian kangaroo. This was first described by Vespucci in 1500 and further by Francisco Pelsaert in 1629. If it is indeed a kangaroo, this would be one of the earliest surviving pictorial representations. In this painting, Orpheus is accompanied by a small monkey playing a viola da gamba. This is an iconographic peculiarity. In general, this painting has some peculiarities compared to other paintings with "Orpheus and the animals". The central positioning of Orpheus is quite common, but he usually holds a lyre and is dressed in an antique style, but not as opulently. The choice of animals is also remarkable: European animals in particular are seen, hardly any exotic features, such as camels or elephants. The two lions in the right foreground are a quotation from Peter Paul Rubens and his depiction of "Daniel in the Lion's Den", which was realized in an engraving. The present painting can be classified as belonging to the Flemish School of the 17th century on the basis of its painterly and compositional conception. From the circle of Jan Brueghel the Younger are numerous representations of this Orpheus - theme, which take it as an opportunity to show as many exotic animals. There are also echoes of Spanish painters such as Juan de Arellano...

This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Please note that given the characteristics of the silver and gold leafing the work will photogr...

Emanuel Aage PETERSEN (1894 - 1948) Polar bear in a snowstorm Oil on canvas H. 70 cm; L. 100 cm Signed lower left Emanuel A. Petersen studied to...

Farmyard Friends French artist, late 19th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 10.75 x 11.75 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: very good and sound condition

Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 67 x 100 x 4.5 cm

Geoffrey Lewis (American, 1928-2005) River Crossing Oil on panel Signed lower left Panel approx: 19 3/4 x 23 7/8 inches In a black and gilt frame with off-white fabric lining: overall 26 1/2 x 30 1/2 inches. The painting depicts a lone figure on horse crossing...

A nordic light nocturnal scene by Rolf Mellström (1896–1953) Two Eurasian woodcocks cross above the dark forest, their compact bodies reading as quick silhouettes against a late blue...

The Chase French School, early 20th century signed 'L. Masson' signed oil painting on canvas board, framed framed: 29.5 x 51 inches board: 25.5 x 47 inches condition: very good prove...

Primary Colour Series – Jay and Butterflies and Dusk to Dawn were inspired by Japanese woodblock prints, with a subtle nod to the traditions of calligraphy. The series continues Shiz...

Aris Knikker (1887 - 19662) Dutch landscape with cows resting underneath a tree and windmill on the horizon Signed lower right A. Knikker Oil on canvas Di...

17th Century Old Master, Figurative and Landscape Painting by Jan Van der Bent So far, little is known about the life and work of Jan van der Bent. He was...

Eugene Pechaubes 1890 - 1967 Canvas Size: 24 x 43" (61 x 109cm) Outside Frame Size: 33 x 51" (84 x 130cm) Signed Bottom Left. Free shipping Born on 24th June 1890 and died on 2 Fe...