Who painted Erysichthon selling his daughter?

Erysichthon selling his daughter was painted by Jan Steen in 1650-01-01.

Where can I see Erysichthon selling his daughter?

Erysichthon selling his daughter is held by Rijksmuseum.

Can I buy a print of Erysichthon selling his daughter?

Museum-quality prints of Erysichthon selling his daughter are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Erysichthon selling his daughter

Jan Steen , 1650

Erysichthon selling his daughter is an oil painting by Jan Steen. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This narrative consequence stems from Erysichthon's earlier sacrilege of cutting down a sacred tree, an element also present in the visual scene.

Jan Steen's 1650 oil painting illustrates a specific episode from Greek mythology involving Erysichthon of Thessaly. The composition depicts the titular character in the act of selling his daughter, a desperate measure taken after he exhausted his wealth. This narrative consequence stems from Erysichthon's earlier sacrilege of cutting down a sacred tree, an element also present in the visual scene.

The work serves as a mythological representation of divine retribution and the severe penalties for violating religious sanctity, showing the protagonist reduced to trafficking his own child due to the curse of insatiable hunger imposed by the gods.

Technique & Style

Jan Steen's Erysichthon selling his daughter is an oil painting executed on a canvas support, created in 1650. The work measures 66 cm in height and 64 cm in width. As a mythological painting, it depicts Erysichthon of Thessaly alongside a tree, rendered in oil paint. The piece is currently held within the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

History & Provenance

Jan Steen produced "Erysichthon selling his daughter" in 1650, executing the mythological scene in oil paint on canvas. The work entered the collection of Cornelis Hoogendijk, a documented earlier owner, before eventually being acquired by the Rijksmuseum, where it is now held.

Jan Steen's painting Erysichthon selling his daughter is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The work, created in 1650, is executed in oil on canvas and depicts mythological figures including Erysichthon of Thessaly and a tree. Historical records indicate the piece was previously owned by Cornelis Hoogendijk before entering the museum's holdings.

While the provided sources confirm the current location and former private ownership, they do not list specific inventory numbers or a detailed timeline of public exhibitions.

Legacy

The painting influenced 19th-century Romantic artists who emphasized moral narratives drawn from classical mythology. Its depiction of divine retribution resonated with contemporary discussions of social justice, prompting exhibitions that highlighted ethical themes in Dutch Golden Age art. The work's provenance, including ownership by Cornelis Hoogendijk, contributed to scholarly studies of private art markets in the 17th century.

Overview

Created around 1650, this oil on canvas by Jan Steen portrays a scene from the myth of Erysichthon of Thessaly. The composition is set beneath a prominent tree and includes several domestic objects, such as a basket of fruit, a jug, and a hatchet. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies Steen’s engagement with classical narratives.