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

Recent Acquisition

'The Four Elements: Fire. A Kitchen Scene with Christ in the House of Martha and Mary in the Background'

1570

Joachim Beuckelaer
(active 1560 to 1574)

NG6588. Bought, 2001.

Signed and dated.

This is one of the most ambitious of Beuckelaer's works, combining the still life of haunches of meat and poultry being prepared for cooking on the fire beyond with a dramatic use of perspective constructions involving multiple vanishing points. Beyond the kitchen Christ is shown seated with Martha and Mary.


Oil on canvas
157.5 x 215.5 cm

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