Nymphs in a Cave with Antique Ruins c. 1645 - 1655

Petrus van Hattich painted this scene of nymphs in a cave in the mid-17th century, using oil paints on a support that’s just over 40cm high. The handling of the oil paint is remarkable, with the artist layering dark shades to evoke a sense of depth and mystery within the cave. Look closely, and you'll see the texture and fluidity of the paint itself, built up through the application of multiple translucent layers and glazes. This was a common technique amongst painters of the era, known as ‘alla prima’ or wet-on-wet. The nymphs and antique ruins within the cave are rendered with a soft, almost dreamlike quality, emphasizing the importance of material and process in achieving this ethereal effect. In his creative process Van Hattich also used techniques like impasto and chiaroscuro, to create this dark aesthetic. Considering the amount of work involved in its production, understanding the full meaning of the artwork challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.