Andries van Eertvelt (1590-1652), attributed to - Lot 41

Andries van Eertvelt (1590-1652), attributed to La Réale at the port Oil on canvas H_130 cm x W_185 cm Faded, old restorations, oxidized varnish. 17th-century frame relacquered in white and gilded. Our large-format painting depicts a French galley, probably the Réale, embarking in port. Used since Antiquity, these boats were designed to strike perpendicularly at opposing ships, using the strength of their rowers to strike with their rostrums and cause maximum damage. This depiction of a galley flying the French flag is particularly interesting and unusual. Images of French royal galleys are rare indeed. The "Réale" was the flagship of the king's galley fleet, attached to the port of Marseille since 1526. The rich decoration, featuring carved and gilded wooden atlantes supporting a stern decorated with the royal coat of arms, underlines the ship's prestigious character. The foreground is animated by numerous figures: people on a quay, light boats joining the ships, contributing to the liveliness of the scene. With its large dimensions, rich details and numerous figures, our painting bears witness to an ambitious project, probably the result of a prestigious commission, and reveals the quality of its author. Andries van Eertvelt, a member of the Antwerp Guild, was one of the first specialists in marine painting. His work is largely devoted to this type of representation. He frequently painted idealized harbors, as here, as well as scenes of naval battles, notably the Battle of Lepanto and conflicts between European and Ottoman powers. Expert : Cabinet Artéon