On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01398
- Author
- Brueghel “the Elder”, Jan (Flemish), Reubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Touch
- Chronology
- Ca. 1617
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 65 cm x 110 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCIONREAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
This set of paintings on the five
senses was one of the most
successful collaborations of Peter
Paul Reubens and Jan Brueghel “the
elder.”
Reubens placed his figures in the
magnificent courtly scenes created
by Brueghel as settings for these
allegories of the senses, resulting
in a series of enormous quality and
esthetic appeal. The subject was
widely employed in Flemish
painting.
A group of blacksmiths protected by
a wall in ruins, a visual metaphor
of Vulcan's forge, cast metals into
cannons and other weapons while a
falcon flies over them with its
prey. Birds, which usually perch on
an allegorical figure's hand, are
signs of the iconography of
touch.
Across from the “weapons
graveyard,” are Venus and Love,
allegories of touch through
physical contact. The turtle beside
the platter of grapes and grape
leaves also symbolizes touch.
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