Flemish School of the 17th centuryThe mismatched couple Oil on canvas 75 x 96 cm - With frame 96 x 118 cm Full details of the work (click HERE) The curious subject depicted in the canvas proposed here belongs to the tradition of the so-called 'mismatched couples', a theme very fashionable in Nordic Renaissance painting, especially in the German and Flemish area. The theme, which enjoyed wide popularity and great success among collectors of the time, featured intentionally grotesque couples, often formed by a pleasing young woman accompanied by an old man with a repulsive but wealthy appearance. Alongside the numerous examples of Lucas Cranach and his school, this subject is also found in the work of Dutch masters such as Lucas van Leyden, Jacob Cornelisz, Quinten and Jan Metsys. And it is precisely to a work by Jan Massys (Antwerp, c. 1510 – 1575), kept in the art collection of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden (https://collection.nationalmuseum.se/sv/collection/item/17511/), that our author was inspired to reproduce the painting with variations. The works, in addition to appearing at first sight amusing and satirical, invited the observer to delve into their intriguing narrative, from which they could derive several moralizing messages. The main idea is as old as humanity itself but still relevant: an old man is captivated by a considerably younger and beautiful woman who is patently disinterested in him, but not in his money. Interestingly, in such paintings, we witness deception at the very moment it is taking place, allowing the observer to immediately derive the moral meaning: it is clear how devoid of true love these couples are, but their being together is driven by a twofold advantage (carnal for the old man, economic for the young woman). In particular, we see here a beautiful young woman who, while making herself available to the desires of the rich old man, takes advantage of the situation by keeping his head turned, preventing him from noticing the accomplice intending to rob him. The interesting fact is that this is not an allegorical representation concealing a hidden meaning; in this case, the action is represented, the very moment of the fraud, which here becomes apparent. Therefore, no particular symbolic knowledge is needed to enjoy the work: this is dictated by the need to make such paintings more easily readable and therefore saleable to collectors of the time. The message for the observer appears clear: this kind of relationship leads only to depravity and mockery, to the loss of all dignity, highlighting how ridiculous these behaviors make them. Today we no longer pay much attention to it; we have become all too accustomed to seeing images of these modern 'mismatched' couples, but several centuries ago it was art that, in addition to an aesthetic value, covered that moralizing one. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/