Allegory of Colonial Power

Willem de Poorter was influenced by Rembrandt’s dramatic handling of light and Dou’s ‘fijnschilder’ technique and meticulous still-life elements. He preferred subjects in which women played the lead roles, and which offered him the opportunity to paint ornamental vessels and items made of marble, silver or gold. The present work allowed him to revel in both his favourite motifs.

The painting belongs to a Hungarian private collection, it is on long term loan to the Sz�pm�v�szeti M�zeum, Budapest.