Pyramus
Niederländischer Meister active mid 17th cent.
Lot-No. 277
Oil/wood, 66,5 x 51 cm, on the revese die stamp with anchor, cross a. the letters P a. M, as well as fragment of old inscription Pi(ramo), some rest. - The unrealised love of Pyramus and Thisbe, as written by Ovid, finds a tragic end when Pyramus believes his beloved to be dead. He commits suicide using his own swords. When finding his dead body Thisbe takes the same sword to kill herself. The plot was used by Shakespeare for 'Romeo and Juliet'. Painters typically arranged it in a scenic manner, attaching emphasis to telling the story. The skillful psychological concentration on the single figure of Pyramus in the moment before his death is unique in art history. The quality of the painting suggest a master from the circle of Jan Lievens.
Niederländischer Meister: Pyramus
Niederländischer Meister active mid 17th cent.
Pyramus
Lot-No. 277
Oil/wood, 66,5 x 51 cm, on the revese die stamp with anchor, cross a. the letters P a. M, as well as fragment of old inscription Pi(ramo), some rest. - The unrealised love of Pyramus and Thisbe, as written by Ovid, finds a tragic end when Pyramus believes his beloved to be dead. He commits suicide using his own swords. When finding his dead body Thisbe takes the same sword to kill herself. The plot was used by Shakespeare for 'Romeo and Juliet'. Painters typically arranged it in a scenic manner, attaching emphasis to telling the story. The skillful psychological concentration on the single figure of Pyramus in the moment before his death is unique in art history. The quality of the painting suggest a master from the circle of Jan Lievens.