Pan and Syrinx

Cesar Boetius van Everdingen (1617–1678), oil on panel, c. 1637–1640

The nymph Syrinx is on the run, with the forest god Pan, hidden among the dense vegetation, in hot pursuit. Van Everdingen captures the dramatic moment of the metamorphosis as Syrinx implores the river nymphs for help. They transform her into water reeds. Her right foot is already turning green. Disappointed, Pan listens to the wind playing through the tall reeds and subsequently cuts his flute from them.

Artwork typepainting
Object numberSK-A-4882
Dimensionsheight 49.3 cm x width 36.8 cm

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A Young Woman Warming her Hands over a Brazier: Allegory of Winter

Caesar Boëtius van Everdingen (signed by artist), c. 1650

Amorous Couple

Jacob van Loo, c. 1650 - c. 1655

Portrait of Elisabeth Pietersdr Kessels (1640-1717)

Caesar Boëtius van Everdingen (signed by artist), 1671

Portrait of Willem Jacobsz Baert (1636-1684), Burgomaster of Alkmaar

Caesar Boëtius van Everdingen (signed by artist), 1671

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attributed to Caesar Boëtius van Everdingen, c. 1650 - c. 1661

Identification

Title
Pan and Syrinx
Object type
Object number
SK-A-4882
Inscriptions / marks
signature, with ligated monogram, centre left, on a rock: ‘cVE’
Part of catalogue

Creation

Creation
painter: Caesar Boëtius van Everdingen (signed by artist)
Dating
c. 1644 - c. 1652
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Material and technique

Material
Dimensions
height 49.3 cm x width 36.8 cm

This work is about

Subject

Acquisition and rights

Acquisition
purchase 1992
Copyright
Public domain
Provenance
? Probate inventory, Caesar van Everdingen, Alkmaar, after 13 October 1678 (`9 Een Amasona van Cv:Everdingen f 36´);{P. Huys Janssen, _Caesar van Everdingen 1616/17-1678: Monograph and Catalogue Raisonné_, Doornspijk 2002, pp. 78, 180.} ? the family of the artist´s brother, Allaert van Everdingen;{P. Huys Janssen, _Caesar van Everdingen 1616/17-1678: Monograph and Catalogue Raisonné_, Doornspijk 2002, p. 180.}…; private collection, Germany;{P. Huys Janssen, _Caesar van Everdingen 1616/17-1678: Monograph and Catalogue Raisonné_, Doornspijk 2002, p. 78; J.F. Heijbroek and A.T.P. van Griensven, _Kunst, kennis en kwaliteit: De Vereeniging van Handelaren in Oude Kunst in Nederland 1911-heden_, Zwolle 2007, p. 174.}…; the dealer Albrecht Neuhaus, Würzburg, until March 1972;{Written communication, Nils de Boer, Amsterdam, 2019.} the dealer P. de Boer, Amsterdam, 1972;{Written communication, Nils de Boer, Amsterdam, 2019.} collection J.K. Luttikhuis, Abcoude, from June 1972;{Written communication, Nils de Boer, Amsterdam, 2019; note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, 1972-92 (inv. no. SK-C-1517); from whom purchased by the museum, fl. 120,000, 1992
Remarks
Please note that this provenance was formulated with a special focus on provenance research for the years 1933-45 and could therefore be incomplete. There may be more (mostly earlier) provenance information known in the museum. In case this item has an uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933-45, the Rijksmuseum welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era.