Allegory of Colonial Power

mythological

Willem de Poorter was influenced by Rembrandt's dramatic handling of light and Dou's 'fijnschilder' technique and meticulous still-life elements. He preferred subjects in which women played the lead roles, and which offered him the opportunity to paint ornamental vessels and items made of marble, silver or gold. The present work allowed him to revel in both his favourite motifs.

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About the Artist

Willem de Poorter

1608 – present

Dutch painter, probably a pupil of Rembrandt. He painted history paintings (especially biblical subjects). His small biblical and allegorical pictures can be connected with Rembrandt's last years in Leiden and first years in Amsterdam, but it is not known if he actually worked in Rembrandt's studio. In his late phase de Poorter also created still-lifes. His still-life paintings of flags and military equipment piled in dramatically lit grottoes hover between the works of Rembrandt and Bramer, without ever capturing the intensity of the former or the fantasy of the latter.

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