Joachim Beuckelaer, 'The Four Elements: Water', 1569.
London, The National Gallery.

Recent Acquisition

'The Four Elements: Water. A Fish Market with the Miraculous Draught of Fishes in the Background'

1569

Joachim Beuckelaer
(active 1560 to 1574)

NG6586. Bought, 2001.

Signed and dated.

Twelve different varieties of fish have been identified among those offered for sale here.
The direct gaze of the stall holders is particularly striking, as is Beuckelaer's use of steep perspective framing the street vista to the left. Framed by the central arch is the scene of Christ appearing to the disciples for the third time after his Resurrection to perform the miracle by which fish appear in hitherto empty nets.

Oil on canvas
158.5 x 215 cm

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