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Christoffel Jacobsz VAN DER LAMEN (Brussels, 1606 – 1651)
A …
See original version (French)
35
-
Christoffel Jacobsz VAN DER LAMEN (Brussels, 1606 – 1651)
A …
See original version (French)
Estimate €2,000 - €3,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Christoffel Jacobsz VAN DER LAMEN (Brussels, 1606 – 1651)
A cheerful gathering indoors
Canvas
72 x 101 cm – 28 3/8 × 39 3/4 in.
A cheerful atmosphere indoors, canvas
Provenance:
Private collection, France.
Description:
Born in Brussels in 1607, Christoffel van der Lamen probably began and continued his apprenticeship with his father, Jacob. In 1636, he joined the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp, where he continued his career until his death in 1651.
He soon specialised in ‘vrolijke gezelschap’, literally ‘cheerful gatherings’. Sometimes gathered in the cosy atmosphere of a drawing room, sometimes set against the charming backdrop of a flower-filled garden, these elegant gatherings indulged in a variety of activities: card games, gallant conversations, impromptu concerts or lively discussions. More popular in the United Provinces, the genre had flourished particularly in the wake of Willem Buytewech and Esaias van de Velde (1587–1630). Among its adherents were Dirck Hals (1591–1656) in Haarlem, Pieter Codde (1599–1678) and Willem Duyster (1599–1635) in Amsterdam.
The popularity of these subjects reached our Flemish artist, who adopted their conventions: in the warm atmosphere of a drawing room, elegant figures gather for a joyful moment to the sound of the lute, intoxicated by the wine filling their glasses. As is often the case in such merry gatherings, one of the figures invites us to step into the scene and share in the excitement. Standing discreetly in the background whilst her companion prepares to enter, a young woman in a pink dress looks beyond the painting and meets our gaze directly. We are invited to join the circle, whose apparent light-heartedness should not make us forget its moral dimension. Thus, against the backdrop of a biblical or mythological scene, the women allow themselves to be charmed by gallant companions, whilst the wine further sweetens the moment.In this subdued setting, van der Lamen renders the satins and velvets of his fabrics with great finesse. The background, taking a back seat, consists almost entirely of earthy tones, allowing the array of colourful dresses and the radiant touches of red here and there to stand out all the more. The painter demonstrates that he is equally attentive to detail in the rendering of the hairstyles, adorned with pearls, and in the depiction of the materials. More so than his northern counterparts, he emphasises the decorative nature of these elegant gatherings of figures.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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