Pieter van der Werff (1665-1722)

JUPITER, VENUS AND AMOR

before 1722
The painting depicts a classic theme executed by the masterful hand of Dutch painters from the late "Golden Age". The motif of Jupiter and Venus provided room for all fashionable trends, including the new aesthetics of nudes, which until then had been taboo in the Dutch Protestant environment. The extraordinary stylistic and thematic closeness in the work of both brothers caused problems with the definitive attribution of many, especially Peter`s works. Adrian maintained a higher price level for years, so some of Peter`s works were presented on the market with Adrian`s attribution. This is probably also the fate of this painting, on which the first initial of the signature was removed (probably shortly after its creation). This painting bears the signature "V:Werff. f.", and its comparison with known signatures, especially with the painting Samson and Delilah (National Gallery in Prague DO 4155), quite likely points to Peter`s authorship, although the frame bears the attribution "Le chevallier - Van Der Werff," which belongs to Adrian, his brother. Oil on canvas, 39,5 x 48 cm. Condition B. Framed in a gilded Blondel Rococo-style frame.