Western European Art in the Hermitage Museum (I) Hans von Aachen

[altmariusart]

Allegory of Peace, Art and Abundance
Aachen, Hans van.
Oil on canvas. 197x142 cm
Germany. 1602
Source of Entry:   Gatchina Palace Museum. 1925

This allegory is a characteristic example of the work of Hans von Aachen, typical representative of the unusual, very cosmopolitan school of painting which developed in Prague at the turn of the 17th century at the court of the Emperor Rudolf II. The woman with her olive branch and weapons thrown down symbolizes Peace, while the figure in the background with a sphere and palette in her hands represents the Sciences and Free Arts; Abundance is depicted with a bowl and a horn of plenty. The symbolism was intended to praise the Emperor's peaceful policies, which had led to prosperity and the flourishing of the sciences and arts. Allegorical content, an unstable composition in which movement is directed along a diagonal, aristocratic elongated proportions and disturbing lighting are all elements of this school, which contained an eclectic mixture of the achievements of Italian and Netherlandish Mannerism.

The Holy Family
Aachen, Hans von.
Oil on panel. 56.2x42.2 cm
Germany. Between 1588 and 1590
Source of Entry:   The Golitsyn Museum, Moscow. 1886