A Picture Gallery, Gillis van Tilborgh

Artwork Overview

Gillis van Tilborgh, A Picture Gallery
Gillis van Tilborgh, A Picture Gallery
Gillis van Tilborgh
A Picture Gallery
1660–1670
Gillis van Tilborgh
circa 1625–circa 1678
A Picture Gallery, 1660–1670
Where object was made: Flanders
Material/technique: canvas; oil
Dimensions:
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 97.2 x 129.5 cm
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 38 1/4 x 51 0.9843 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 46 1/2 x 59 1/4 x 3 1/2 in
Credit line: Museum purchase
Accession number: 1954.0157
On display: Loo Gallery
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Label texts

Archive Label: The exact subject of this painting is unclear, although it is evident that it depicts a popular subject in the 17th-century Netherlands: the practice of collecting and discussing art works. Showing works of sculpture, ceramics, music, metalsmithing, and especially painting arranged for conversation, a picture gallery may depict an art dealer’s collection, a private collection, or the interior of an artist’s studio. Although it is likely that the man with paints and easel is an artist, it is not clear if the others are his colleagues, patrons, or representatives. In any event, the painting seems to assert the depicted individuals’ good taste and status in society as patrons of the arts. It could also serve as a record-keeping document of this collection. On the other hand, picture gallery paintings like this one may also have functioned as “business cards” for artists by depicting a variety of paintings and styles within their ability. Paintings like this one document how people living in the province of Flanders hung works of art during this time. In order to use every available bit of wall space, collectors occasionally had paintings cut down to fit.

Resources

Audio

Didactic – Art Minute
Didactic – Art Minute
Episode 125. I’m David Cateforis with another Art Minute from the Spencer Museum of Art. How much art can fit into one 3 by 4 foot canvas? More than you might think. The Interior of a Picture Gallery with an Artist and his Patrons painted by Gilles van Tilborch, presents art within art, paintings within a painting. It depicts a large room whose walls are literally covered with 14 paintings; another four paintings rest against pieces of furniture on the floor. Each is rendered with exquisite skill and attention to detail. The paintings, representing such subjects as ships at sea, floral arrangements, Romantic pastoral scenes, and military exercises, are typical of the type favored by 17th century Netherlandish collectors. Central to Tilborch’s composition are five well-dressed and, in at least one case, well-fed 17th century Netherlanders. Some may be customers, while others are surely artists: one holds a brush and palette and works on a painting, while one holds a sculpture - yet another art form within this painting about art. Come see Tilborch’s painting and marvel at what was possible in the centuries before Photoshop. With thanks to Randi Hacker for her text, from the Spencer Museum of Art, I’m David Cateforis.
Audio Tour – Bulldog Podcast
Audio Tour – Bulldog Podcast
Audio Tour – Bulldog Podcast
Audio Tour – Bulldog Podcast