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Mediterranean

| Allegory of the city of Antwerp |

Theodoor Van Thulden (1606-1669)

Allegory of the city of Antwerp

Artist
Theodoor Van Thulden (1606-1669)
Date
c. 1625-1669
Size
275 x 345 cm
Technique
Oil on canvas
Location
Mediterranean Gallery – Signs and Tales
The largest canvas at MUŻA is this ‘Allegory of Antwerp’ by the Flemish Baroque painter, Theodoor van Thulden. The attributes of mythological figures are ascribed in praise to the city of Antwerp. Fame sounds her trumpet while the Gorgon lies defeated at the feet of Chronos who personifies time. Demetre, goddess of agriculture and fertility, holding a Cornucopia of fruit and crops, is accompanied by Mercury, god of commerce. Amaltheia, with another Horn of Plenty overflowing with gold and riches, lifts the veil to reveal a personification of Antwerp in all her beauty and splendour. A river god, representing the waters of Antwerp’s large and busy harbour, observes the putti playing. A beautiful and noble peacock sits high on the rocks on the right. This painting is from Van Thulden’s middle period showing the impact of Peter Paul Rubens with whom he collaborated. It is possibly a commission from his time in Antwerp.

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