Banquet Scene with a Lute Player
- Date
- c.1625
- Material
- Oil on canvas
- possibly made in
- Rome, Lazio region, Italy, Europe
- Classification
- Paintings
- Collection
- European Art to 1800
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 236
- Dimensions
- 47 3/4 x 65 3/4 in. (121.3 x 167 cm)
framed: 58 3/8 x 76 1/4 in. (148.3 x 193.7 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 90:1942
NOTES
Bright light and contrasting shadows have been used to especially good effect in this banquet scene. The artist employed these tools to enhance the spatial qualities of the table corner and to define the surface textures of the food and clothing.
Artists of the early 17th century tried to involve the observer in their paintings, which is why the composition is arranged so that the table corner juts out toward the viewer. At this time musical instruments, such as the lute seen here, often conveyed erotic themes, and this setting may be an inn or a brothel. The man who drains his wine glass may indicate that indulgence and vice are subjects presented here. Such a context suggests that the single female may be a courtesan. Nicolas Tournier worked in Rome between 1619 and 1626 and probably used models that he encountered on the streets of that city for his paintings.
Artists of the early 17th century tried to involve the observer in their paintings, which is why the composition is arranged so that the table corner juts out toward the viewer. At this time musical instruments, such as the lute seen here, often conveyed erotic themes, and this setting may be an inn or a brothel. The man who drains his wine glass may indicate that indulgence and vice are subjects presented here. Such a context suggests that the single female may be a courtesan. Nicolas Tournier worked in Rome between 1619 and 1626 and probably used models that he encountered on the streets of that city for his paintings.
Provenance
Prince François de Paula Karel Colloredo (1736-1806), Walpersdorf Castle, Herzogenburg-Walpersdorf, Austria [1]
Private Collection, Vienna, Austria; USA [2]
- 1942
Aram Gallery (Siegfried Aram), New York, NY, acquired from a private collection
1942 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Aram Gallery [3]
Notes:
[1] According to a letter from Siegfried Aram (b.1891) of Aram Gallery "the painting was brought to this country by a Viennese composer and it comes from the famous collection of Prince Colloredo in Vienna" [letter dated April 24, 1942, SLAM document files]. The name of the prince is not mentioned in the letter, however an inscription on the painting's verso reads: "de Walspersdorf appartenamt a mon fils Francois de Colleredo". The name likely refers to François de Paula Karel Colloredo, son of Karel Ludvik Colloredo (1698-1759), who inherited the castle from another member of the family. It is unknown how the painting was acquired by the Colloredo family or its location after François' death in 1806. However, an undated inventory record of Walpersdorf Castle (probably from the first half of the 19th century) does list a painting titled "Eine Gesellschaft bei Tische (Banqueting Scene)" which could refer to the Museum's painting [letter from Österreichisches Staatarchiv, Vienna, dated October 2, 2006, SLAM document files].
Walpersdorf Castle remained in the Colloredo family until 1859 when it was acquired by the Falkenhayn family, distant relatives of the Colloredo family. The last Falkenhayn to own Walpersdorf Castle was Countess Maria, who gave the castle to the Missionary Institute of Petrus Claver in 1934. Maria Falkenhayn is noted for contributions of the estate to public and private institutions, and it is possible that this painting was among her many donations ["Walpersdorf - The History," accessed September 1, 2005,; "Walpersdorf," accessed September 1, 2005, ; "Colloredové," accessed September 2, 2005,
].
[2] Per letter from Siegfried Aram (see note [1]).
[3] Invoice from Aram Gallery dated July 13, 1942 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, August 6, 1942.
Private Collection, Vienna, Austria; USA [2]
- 1942
Aram Gallery (Siegfried Aram), New York, NY, acquired from a private collection
1942 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Aram Gallery [3]
Notes:
[1] According to a letter from Siegfried Aram (b.1891) of Aram Gallery "the painting was brought to this country by a Viennese composer and it comes from the famous collection of Prince Colloredo in Vienna" [letter dated April 24, 1942, SLAM document files]. The name of the prince is not mentioned in the letter, however an inscription on the painting's verso reads: "de Walspersdorf appartenamt a mon fils Francois de Colleredo". The name likely refers to François de Paula Karel Colloredo, son of Karel Ludvik Colloredo (1698-1759), who inherited the castle from another member of the family. It is unknown how the painting was acquired by the Colloredo family or its location after François' death in 1806. However, an undated inventory record of Walpersdorf Castle (probably from the first half of the 19th century) does list a painting titled "Eine Gesellschaft bei Tische (Banqueting Scene)" which could refer to the Museum's painting [letter from Österreichisches Staatarchiv, Vienna, dated October 2, 2006, SLAM document files].
Walpersdorf Castle remained in the Colloredo family until 1859 when it was acquired by the Falkenhayn family, distant relatives of the Colloredo family. The last Falkenhayn to own Walpersdorf Castle was Countess Maria, who gave the castle to the Missionary Institute of Petrus Claver in 1934. Maria Falkenhayn is noted for contributions of the estate to public and private institutions, and it is possible that this painting was among her many donations ["Walpersdorf - The History," accessed September 1, 2005,
[2] Per letter from Siegfried Aram (see note [1]).
[3] Invoice from Aram Gallery dated July 13, 1942 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, August 6, 1942.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.