Allegory of Nature as the Mother of Art

Jan van Hemessen, 1540 - 1557

A partially nude woman sprinkles milk from her breast on a man’s viol. This enigmatic scene may represent Mother Nature, who inspires and nourishes Art. Van Hemessen was a leading Antwerp painter in the second quarter of the 16th century. His figures betray a marked Italian influence, especially in his use of soft, ‘smoky’ contours, the so-called sfumato painting technique.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-C-1657
  • Dimensionsdepth 15 cm, height 159 cm x width 189 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op paneel