Gezelschap bij een bron 1653 - 1691

Jacques Vaillant created this mezzotint print of a gathering by a spring in the Netherlands sometime in the latter half of the 17th century. It depicts a pastoral scene that draws on a rich tradition of classical imagery, updated with a northern sensibility. The poses and arrangement of the figures are reminiscent of classical depictions of nymphs and satyrs. However, the inclusion of contemporary clothing and the landscape locate this scene firmly in the Dutch Golden Age. Vaillant was part of a network of artists and intellectuals who sought to elevate Dutch culture by drawing on classical and Italian Renaissance traditions. Through his work, we can trace the influence of both Dutch and Italian artistic styles and see how these influences contributed to the development of a distinct Dutch artistic identity. Further research into Vaillant’s patrons and the artistic networks in which he operated would provide greater insight into the social and institutional context of this work.