Artwork

Allegory of Peace

Allegory of Peace, by (B.?) van Kessel, oil, 1712
Allegory of Peace, by (B.?) van Kessel, oil, 1712

Allegory of Peace is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist (B.?) van Kessel. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

) van Kessel, this oil painting on canvas functions as an allegory dedicated to the concept of peace.

Created in 1712 by the artist (B.?) van Kessel, this oil painting on canvas functions as an allegory dedicated to the concept of peace. As indicated by its title and genre classification, the work's primary subject is the abstract ideal of peace itself, personified or represented through symbolic imagery typical of the allegorical tradition. The composition serves as a visual embodiment of this virtue, utilizing the medium of oil paint to convey a specific moral or political message relevant to its era.

While the specific iconographic details of the figures or objects included are not enumerated in the available records, the work's definitive main subject establishes its meaning as a celebration or invocation of tranquility and the absence of conflict.

Technique & Style

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 112 cm in height and 147 cm in width. The handling reflects a restrained Baroque classicism, with smoothly blended modeling and a polished finish typical of early eighteenth-century Flemish academic practice. Compositionally, the allegorical figure of Peace is centrally placed, rendered in light tones against a restrained, neutral background that directs attention to the figure’s gestures and attributes.

The drapery folds are crisp yet softly modulated, indicating a technical command of anatomy and fabric. No significant condition issues are reported in the cited sources.

History & Provenance

The painting titled Allegory of Peace is attributed to the artist (B.?) van Kessel and was created in 1712. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work measures 112 cm in height and 147 cm in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The piece is classified as an allegorical painting with peace as its main subject.

The painting Allegory of Peace, attributed to (B.?) van Kessel and dated 1712, is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work is executed in oil on canvas and measures 112 cm in height by 147 cm in width. The provided sources do not contain specific accession numbers for the inventory nor do they list any exhibition history for this artwork.

Overview

Allegory of Peace is a 1712 oil painting by van Kessel, currently held at the Rijksmuseum.

Allegory of Peace
Allegory of Peace, Jan van Kessel the Elder

Artist & collection

Artist

(B.?) van Kessel

This artist loved cluttered tables, paintings of fruit, books, coins, and goblets piled high, each object catching the light just right.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Allegory of Peace?

Allegory of Peace was painted by (B.?) van Kessel in 1712.

Where can I see Allegory of Peace?

Allegory of Peace is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Allegory of Peace?

Allegory of Peace is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Allegory of Peace?

Museum-quality prints of Allegory of Peace are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.