Fire

Deruet was for many years official painter to the Duke of Lorraine and director of his court festivities. he is an interesting phenomenon in that he went on working till his death in 1660 in a style that was already out of date by nearly thirty years.

The present painting is part of a series representing the Four Elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water). They were painted for the cardinal’s château at Richelieu near Orl�ans some time before 1642 (in which year the cardinal died). The emphasis of the four canvasses is entirely decorative. The Element of Fire is particularly dramatic, and depicts one of the elaborate firework displays popular at the time. The Elements conform very closely to the aesthetic spirit of the last years of the reign of Louis XIII who died in 1643.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 18 minutes):

Handel: Fireworks Music