Artwork
Narcissus admires his reflection in the water
Narcissus admires his reflection in the water is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Anthoni Schoonjans. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Created in 1696, this oil painting portrays the youth of the mythic Narcissus as he gazes at his own image reflected in a calm pool.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the mythological figure Narcissus gazing at his own reflection in water, a scene drawn from classical mythology.
The painting depicts the mythological figure Narcissus gazing at his own reflection in water, a scene drawn from classical mythology. As a mythological painting, it illustrates the ancient tale of a youth who becomes enamored with his image, leading to his demise. The image serves as an allegory of excessive self‑admiration and vanity, warning against the dangers of self‑obsession and the pursuit of unattainable ideal beauty.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1690, this mythological painting by Anthoni Schoonjans utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work presents substantial dimensions, measuring 170.5 cm in height and 206.2 cm in width. As a piece within the Bavarian State Painting Collections, it exemplifies the artist's engagement with classical subject matter through the medium of oil on canvas.
No specific details regarding the current condition, surface handling, or distinct stylistic maneuvers beyond the general classification are provided in the available records.
History & Provenance
Anthoni Schoonjans painted Narcissus admires his reflection in the water in 1690, an oil on canvas work measuring 170.5 cm by 206.2 cm. It entered the Bavarian State Painting Collections as part of the Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz collection, displayed in the Electoral Gallery Dusseldorf before being installed at the Alte Pinakothek.
The painting was created for the Elector Palatine Johann Wilhelm, reflecting the court's interest in mythological subjects during the late Baroque period. Its provenance traces directly from the Elector's collection through successive institutional transfers to its current home in Munich.
The painting is held by the Alte Pinakothek in Munich as part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
It is recorded under inventory number 655 with dimensions of 170.5 cm in height and 206.2 cm in width.
The work entered the collection through the Electoral Gallery of Düsseldorf, assembled by Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz, and remains in the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings.
Overview
Created in 1696, this oil painting portrays the youth of the mythic Narcissus as he gazes at his own image reflected in a calm pool. The figure sits on a rock, nude except for a dark cloth tied around his waist, set against a somber sky dotted with distant trees. The composition emphasizes the solitary moment of self‑contemplation, a theme common to Baroque explorations of myth.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anthoni Schoonjans, nicknamed Parhasius (1655 – 13 August 1726) was a Flemish painter known for his portraits as well as his history paintings.
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Self-portrait of Anthon Schoonjans (1655-1726)
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Portrait of Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, electress of the Palatine (1667-1743)
Jacob blames Laban of his deception with Lea (Genesis 29:25-27)
allegory on the dew
