The Allegory of Earth
The significance of this work
What is significant about “The Allegory of Earth” by Jan Brueghel I and Hendrick van Balen? This is an analysis and description of this work. This is based on my observations and “Flemish Art and Architecture” by Hans Vileighe.
Analysis
This work has detailed designs and is colorful. The fleshy figures are a main part of the painting. There is a lot of design. The painting seems to be circular, with not as much going on in the middle and a lot of detail and objects around the edges, in a circular shape. The significant issues and most important ideas are the gods, nature, and plentifulness. There is a bit of landscape. But the rest of the painting is filled up with the figures of nature.
The painting is of average size, oil on panel, painted between 1630 and 1635. The quality is good. The painting is like others of its time because of its subject, color, and the round and fleshy figures. I feel that the expectation for the work was to not have more than one thing stand out.
There are many sources about Hendrick van Balen, who collaborated with many other artists, including Jan Brueghel I. Van Balen’s work was often compared to the artwork of other artists as well. Van Balen was mostly known for his figures. The Brueghels and van Balens had styles that were like eachother.
Bibliography
Vlieghe, Hans. 1998. Flemish Art and Architecture 1585-1700. New Haven: Yale University Press.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2019 Mark Richardson
