Joachim Beuckelaer, 'The Four Elements: Air', 1570.
London, The National Gallery.

Recent Acquisition

'The Four Elements: Air. A Poultry Market with the Prodigal Son in the Background'

1570

Joachim Beuckelaer
(active 1560 to 1574)

NG6587. Bought, 2001.

Signed and dated.

Different kinds of fowl are offered for sale, some still alive in large wicker baskets, others dead and ready for plucking. On the platter in the centre of the foreground are rabbits, and to either side eggs in a basket and stacks of cheeses. In the middle of the composition, at a distance, the prodigal son is shown leaning against a woman in a debauched manner.

Oil on canvas
157.3 x 215 cm

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