Description
The painting The Mockery of the Owl by Jan Van Kessel is a masterpiece of Flemish Baroque art featuring an intricate and detailed composition. The original size of the painting, 170 x 234 cm, allows the viewer to immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and humor.
Van Kessel's artistic style is evident in the painting, as he is known for his ability to depict nature in a realistic and detailed manner. In The Mockery of the Owl, the artist depicts a wildlife scene with a variety of animals, from an owl to a fox, all in a dark and mysterious forest.
The composition of the painting is fascinating, as Van Kessel manages to balance the density of the elements in the scene. The central owl figure is surrounded by other birds and animals, but the viewer's attention is drawn to the owl, which appears to be mocking the other animals.
The color in The Mockery of the Owl is vibrant and contrasting which helps to create a mysterious and surreal atmosphere. The dark, earthy tones of the forest contrast with the bright colors of bird feathers and animal fur.
The history of the painting is interesting as it is believed to have been commissioned by the Prince of Liechtenstein in the 17th century. The work has passed through several private and public collections, and is currently in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
One of the lesser known aspects of The Mockery of the Owl is that Van Kessel used a painting technique known as "grisaille", which involves painting in shades of gray to create a sense of depth and shading in the work.
In conclusion, The Mockery of the Owl is a fascinating painting that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color, and painting technique. Jan Van Kessel's work remains one of the jewels of Flemish Baroque art and a display of the artist's talent and skill.