Willem Van Mieris the Elder (Leyden 1662-1747)


Bacchus and Ariadne signed and dated 'WVan Mieris. Fec. Ano. 1730' (lower left)oil on canvas76.2 x 83.8cm (30 x 33in).
|ProvenanceA private castle in Flanders for several generations, from which acquired by the present owner's family in this centuryWhile Willem's early works followed the technique and subject-matter of his father, Frans van Mieris's late paintings, in his later works especially Willem concentrated more than his father had on history, classical and pastoral scenes. In this unusually large work of 1730 which shows the master at the height of his technical virtuosity before the decline that has been detected in some of his later works, we find him applying the aesthetic ideals of classical late 17th century art theory, in combination with the technique of the Leiden 'Fine' Painters.