After Peter Paul Rubens/Jan Wildens, The Daughters Of Leucippus

After Peter Paul Rubens/Jan Wildens, The Daughters Of Leucippus

A fine 19th-century oil painting after a work by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and Jan Wildens (1586-1653). The original was created in 1618 and currently hangs at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

The painting depicts a scene from Greek and Roman mythology - specifically the abduction of Phoebe and Hilaeira, daughters of King Leucippus of Messenia.

The two male figures are twin brothers, Castor (with armour) and Pollux, the sons of Queen Leda of Sparta and brothers of Helen of Troy. Here, we see them taking hold of Phoebe and Hilaeira who were set to marry a different pair of twins. The frustrations of Castor and Pollux boiled over and led to this violent act.

Rubens was a Baroque master with an abundance of skill for rendering the anatomy amid dramatic lighting. This copy does a fine job of capturing Rubens’ spirit and virtuosity.

The painting is housed within an ornate later frame and signed ‘J Achtschin’ in the lower left.

For overseas buyers, we would suggest crating this painting at a cost of £250. Alternatively, we can ship it with the canvas only for free.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 40½” x 49½” / 103cm x 125cm
Year of creation: c. 1900
Provenance: Sweden
Condition: Overall very presentable with craquelure throughout, minor scratches and a few areas of paint loss.

Conservation & History

We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

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