Portrait of Jordaens family 1615

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the warmth radiating from this canvas—the sense of familial closeness amidst the opulent details. Editor: Indeed. What we have here is Jacob Jordaens's "Portrait of Jordaens Family", created around 1615. Painted with oil, it belongs to the Baroque tradition and is held at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. This group portrait is a wonderful example of the Baroque's interest in movement and dynamic composition. Curator: It feels almost theatrical. The way everyone's gaze is directed upwards suggests something almost divine or miraculous occurring just beyond the frame. And that dog! Bottom right, just stealing the scene with those eyes. Editor: Dogs often symbolize fidelity, both to family and religious devotion, which can indicate loyalty to one's faith, an extremely important concept for many in that period. That's one reason it resonates, and I like what you noted about everyone gazing up! Curator: It suggests more than just a portrait—there's a story embedded here. All those cherubs overhead! The upward gaze creates an almost ecstatic tone; it transcends a mere family portrait. What do you sense that evokes? Editor: Yes, it pushes beyond domesticity. The cherubs evoke notions of legacy, blessings perhaps—divine favor resting on the family. These familial relationships echo those on a divine plane. And Baroque art often aimed for precisely this sense of grand scale. It wanted to remind people of the all-powerful presence of God. Curator: Exactly! In Baroque, it is used in the theatre, poetry, painting... So what starts as a family gathering becomes an allegorical representation of virtue, devotion and familial duty! So powerful in every sense of the word. I feel changed every time I see it. Editor: Well put, every return to see it is as if coming home. Each of us are part of one big family; let's be more mindful of our place in this theatre of the world.