Franchoys Wouters, 'Nymphs surprised by Satyrs', about 1650-60
About the work
Overview
Two sleeping nymphs have been discovered by a pair of satyrs (mythological woodland creatures who were half human and half goat). The satyrs sneak forwards, intent on shocking the nymphs awake; their tanned complexions and rugged looks contrast with the nymphs' smooth, pale skin. In the landscape behind, three more nymphs bathe in a still pool – they too are about to be startled by a creeping satyr.
The coat of arms of the city of Antwerp has been painted on the back of this panel. Wouters had trained as an artist in Antwerp and worked in Rubens’s studio from 1634. Later, he spent time in London but by 1641 he had returned to Antwerp, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Key facts
Details
- Full title
- Nymphs surprised by Satyrs
- Artist
- Franchoys Wouters
- Artist dates
- 1612 - 1659/60
- Date made
- about 1650-60
- Medium and support
- oil on wood
- Dimensions
- 43.3 × 58.1 cm
- Inscription summary
- Signed
- Acquisition credit
- Presented by M. Forster, 1845
- Inventory number
- NG1871
- Location
- Not on display
- Collection
- Main Collection
- Previous owners
Provenance
Additional information
Text extracted from the ‘Provenance’ section of the catalogue entry in Gregory Martin, ‘ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â Catalogues: The Flemish School: circa 1600–circa 1900’, London 1986; for further information, see the full catalogue entry.
Bibliography
-
1986Martin, Gregory, ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â Catalogues: The Flemish School, circa 1600 - circa 1900, London 1986
-
2001
C. Baker and T. Henry, ÁùºÏ²ÊÔ¤²â: Complete Illustrated Catalogue, London 2001
About this record
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