ATTRIBUTED TO GILLIS COIGNET (FLEMISH C. 1542-1599)

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION, LONDON

ATTRIBUTED TO GILLIS COIGNET (FLEMISH C. 1542-1599)
Orpheus charming the animals
oil on panel (cradled panel)
50.8 x 94 cm

PROVENANCE:
Private collection, London
Dickinson Fine Art, Jermyn St, London, SW1, 19th East 66th St, New York, NY

*Please note, the lot is under Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price.

Gillis Coignet, known for his works in the Northern Renaissance style, which was characterised by the use of symbolism, and emphasis on religious themes.

Coignet was born in Antwerp and studied under the painter Pieter Balten. He became a member of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in 1563, and he later became a master in the guild in 1575. He is known to have traveled to Italy and was influenced by the Italian Renaissance, particularly the work of Michelangelo.

Coignet's works are primarily religious in nature and include altarpieces, religious scenes, and portraits. He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to create intricate compositions that conveyed complex narratives. His use of symbolism was also a hallmark of his work, and he often included objects and animals that held religious significance.

One of Coignet's most famous works is "The Last Judgment," a triptych painted in 1575 for the Church of Saint James in Antwerp. The painting depicts the biblical scene of the last judgment.

The myth of Orpheus charming the animals is a popular subject in art and literature that depicts the Greek myth of Orpheus, a legendary musician and poet who was said to have had the ability to charm animals with his music.

According to the myth, Orpheus was able to charm wild beasts and even rocks and trees with his lyre playing. He was said to have played such beautiful music that even the gods and goddesses of Olympus would stop to listen.

The story has been depicted in various forms of art throughout history. In ancient Greek art, Orpheus was often depicted with his lyre surrounded by animals, while in Renaissance and Baroque art, the scene was often depicted in paintings, with Orpheus shown playing his lyre and charming the animals around him.Click here to share: