Artwork

Nymphs at the Fountain of Love

Nymphs at the Fountain of Love, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1630
Nymphs at the Fountain of Love, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1630

Nymphs at the Fountain of Love is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jacob Jordaens. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Jordaens presents the nymphs in a lush garden setting, emphasizing their connection to nature and the life-giving properties of the fountain.

The painting depicts a group of nymphs gathered at a fountain, a scene rooted in classical mythology. Jordaens presents the nymphs in a lush garden setting, emphasizing their connection to nature and the life-giving properties of the fountain. Wine vessels appear among the figures, reinforcing themes of abundance and festivity often associated with mythological gatherings.

The fountain itself symbolizes purity and renewal, while the nymphs’ interactions suggest themes of love and companionship. The overall composition reflects the Baroque tendency to merge mythological subject matter with everyday vitality, evoking a sense of harmony between humanity and the natural world.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, this mythological work features a composite support of canvas mounted on panel. The painting measures 131 cm in height and 127 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition depicts a garden setting populated by nymphs and elements associated with wine, reflecting the artist's engagement with classical themes during the early seventeenth century.

History & Provenance

Jacob Jordaens created the oil painting Nymphs at the Fountain of Love in 1630. The work is executed in oil paint on a canvas mounted on a panel, measuring 131 cm in height and 127 cm in width. While the primary inception date is recorded as 1630, some records also associate the work with the year 1640.

The painting depicts mythological figures, specifically nymphs, within a garden setting featuring wine, consistent with its classification as a mythological work. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid, where it is cataloged under the inventory number P001548.

Jacob Jordaens' painting Nymphs at the Fountain of Love is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The work is cataloged under the inventory number P001548. Created in 1630, this oil-on-canvas-on-panel piece remains part of the museum's permanent holdings. The provided sources do not list specific past exhibitions for this artwork.

Overview

Jacob Jordaens painted Nymphs at the Fountain of Love in 1630, employing oil on canvas. The work exemplifies the Flemish Baroque aesthetic, featuring a lively garden tableau where mythological figures gather around a central fountain. The composition is populated by numerous nude forms, some reclining, others suspended, set against an architectural backdrop of columns and arches.

The Feast of Venus
The Feast of Venus, Peter Paul Rubens

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Jordaens

Artist

Jacob Jordaens

Jacques (Jacob) Jordaens (19 May 1593 – 18 October 1678) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and a designer of tapestries and prints.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Nymphs at the Fountain of Love?

Nymphs at the Fountain of Love was painted by Jacob Jordaens in 1630-01-01.

Where can I see Nymphs at the Fountain of Love?

Nymphs at the Fountain of Love is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Nymphs at the Fountain of Love?

Nymphs at the Fountain of Love is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Nymphs at the Fountain of Love?

Museum-quality prints of Nymphs at the Fountain of Love are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.