Diana Offered Wine and Fruit by Bacchus and his Retinue c. 1617 - 1625

Hendrik van Balen painted this oil on panel sometime around the turn of the 17th century. Oil paint involves a slow, deliberate process. The pigment is ground and suspended in oil, allowing for subtle gradations of color and luminous glazes. Van Balen used these properties to full effect, rendering the soft flesh tones of the figures and the rich textures of the surrounding landscape with incredible detail. The material qualities of the painting are inextricably linked to its subject matter. Van Balen’s skillful manipulation of oil paint elevates the scene from simple genre painting to something more refined. It speaks to the social status of both the artist and his patrons. The making of the painting would have been a highly specialized process. The social and cultural importance of the painting is enhanced by the artful use of materials and techniques. In this way, it’s a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend the everyday.