Artwork
Concert of Angels
Concert of Angels is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Hendrick van Balen the Elder. It dates from 1611 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. Created circa 1611, this oil painting on copper presents a tranquil assembly of celestial musicians.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1611, this oil painting on copper presents a tranquil assembly of celestial musicians. The work belongs to the Flemish Baroque period and is housed in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Its modest dimensions reflect the artist’s preference for intimate, cabinet-sized compositions.
Subject & Meaning
A group of angels encircles a harp, each figure holding a different instrument, suggesting a harmonious celestial concert. Their flowing garments and luminous halos convey a sense of divine grace, while the warm golden backdrop reinforces an atmosphere of peaceful reverence.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a chiaroscuro approach, using contrasts of light and shadow to model the angels’ faces and drapery with fine detail. The oil medium on copper allows for smooth brushwork and a luminous surface, enhancing the delicate rendering of textures and the overall serene ambience.
History & Provenance
The painting was executed by Hendrick van Balen the Elder, a noted Flemish painter who specialized in small-scale mythological and religious scenes. It entered the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where it remains on display, and reflects van Balen’s influence on younger contemporaries such as Anthony van Dyck.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick van Balen or Hendrick van Balen I (c. 1573–1575 – 17 July 1632) was a Flemish Baroque painter and stained glass designer. Hendrick van Balen specialised in small cabinet pictures often painted on a copper…
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