Pamono Jacques Muller, Diana and Nymphs, 1660, Oil on Panel, Framed> Old Masters|Classical

Diana and Nymphs Bathing in a Cave

Second half of the 17th century

Oil on panel (50 x 65 cm – Framed 67 x 83 cm)

In a suggestive cave, the chaste Diana, accompanied by her faithful nymphs and her greyhound, has retreated to regain her strength after a hunt. They are all gathered at the edge of a pool of water in the center of the ravine, with the goddess intent on undressing, ready for a cool bath.

The artist displayed incredible inventiveness in recreating the fantastical details that enrich the composition, with a series of sculptures, ruins, friezes, and classical-style architectural details, including a warrior who appears to guard the cave entrance, a classical sculpture of an ancient Roman consul, and a lion with a coat of arms atop a large stone boulder.

The interior of this cave thus appears as a fragment of pure poetry, wrapped in a Baroque-style setting, offering us a strange yet beautiful hymn to classical culture juxtaposed with feminine beauty.

The painting, which dates back to the second half of the 17th century, draws on the famous compositions of the Flemish artist Abraham van Cuylenborch (Utrecht, 1620–1658) and is certainly the work of one of his talented followers. In particular, it is a work signed by the Flemish Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630-c.1680), active in Utrecht around the mid-17th century and a pupil of Abraham van Cuylenburgh; from his master he inherited a singular figurative repertoire, with this type of representation of caves dotted with details taken from antiquity, ruins, classical sculptures and architectural fragments. For example, we can recall
– Diana and her Nymphs in a Cave, Kremlin Museum, Russia.
– Diana and Nymphs in a Cave, National Museum Stockholm.
– Nymphs in a Cave with Ancient Ruins, Private Collection.

Jacques Muller was a highly talented painter, although many of his unsigned works have in the past been mistakenly attributed to the more famous master. What makes our work precious is the presence of the signature, which links it to two signed paintings: the first, “Battle between Turks and Christians,” with the same signature – J. Muller f(ecit).” – is held at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and the second, “Figures in Oriental Dress near Ancient Ruins,” from a private collection.

The interiors of these caves, where the scenes always allude to the ruined state of the monuments, should be interpreted as a kind of “vanitas.” They are not only fascinating to observe but also charged with strong moral significance. The scenery is not only decorative and beautiful, but also aims to inspire the viewer to question profound religious and philosophical ideas, to meditate on death and resurrection, and the ephemeral nature of life.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with a beautiful gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic.