Circle of Jan Josef Horemans the Elder (Flemish 1682-1759)

Artist: Circle of Jan Josef Horemans the Elder (Flemish 1682-1759).
Title: Courtly company in the tavern.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Framed Size: Height 66.5 cm x Width 77 cm x Depth 5 cm.
Image Size: Height 48.5 cm x Width 59 cm.
Condition: Some minor losses, thinning paint. The work has been relined previously. The painting has recently been inspected, cleaned, revarnished and reframed. The frame is a high-quality modern frame that is complementary to the period.
Provenance: Private Collection Sydney, Australia.

About: This genre work is an allegory of vice. The references to gambling, excessive drinking and the consequences of letting go of one's own inhibitions are expertly conveyed with the use of tonality, symbolism and composition.

Often genre works of the period by Horemans the Elder, would explore undertone themes of social etiquette and class identification as well as acting as a somewhat comical commentary on the everyday lives of his fellow countrymen, their professions and pastimes.

Jan Josef Horemans the Elder was a Flemish painter of the 18th century, known mainly for his genre scenes, but he also painted portraits and historical allegories. Horemans had a muted palette as his colours were rather dark, consequently, he was often referred to as 'le brun' and 'le sombre'.

The work appears unsigned, however as the relining was undertaken some time ago, we have been advised that it is possible that the work has lost some of its dimension in the relining process, subsequently possibly a signature and date. Markings verso possibly "C 7648" on the stretcher, may indicate inventory numbering or a sale catalogue.

This work came from a large collection of significant European paintings many of which have been recently exported back to Europe.