Box with Episodes from the Life of the Spinola Family 1636
mattheusmelijn
natural stone pattern
light pencil work
homemade paper
paper non-digital material
pale palette
paper texture
folded paper
watercolour bleed
watercolour illustration
watercolor
"Box with Episodes from the Life of the Spinola Family" is a silver relief by Mattheus Melijn, dating back to 1636. The artwork showcases a dynamic scene, likely depicting a historical event related to the powerful Spinola family. Melijn masterfully renders the figures, utilizing deep relief to create a sense of depth and movement, making the scene come alive in its intricate detail. The artwork is a striking example of the silverwork popular during the Dutch Golden Age, offering a glimpse into the lives and stories of a prominent family of that era.
Comments
In the 17th century various silversmiths from the Netherlands were active in the Italian city of Genoa. They were celebrated for their skills in rendering stories in very high relief. These plaquettes are made by the most famous of these craftsmen, Mattheus Melijn of Antwerp. They feature episodes from the life of the Spinola family, and show how a city can be conquered: Maria Spinola procured a duchy through the power of love, her brother Ambrogio through military might. Ambrogio Spinola was a celebrated military commander serving the Spanish crown and played a crucial role in the war between Spain and the Netherlands. Mounted on horseback, he here surveys the city of Jülich that was besieged by Spanish troops in 1622. He captured the city, which remained in Spanish hands until 1660.
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