Spanish school, 17th century. Lot n° 25

Spanish school, 17th century. "Amphitrite emerging from the water". Oil on canvas. New stretcher. New bands. Measurements: 73 x 102 cm; 85 x 113,5 cm (frame). In this mythological scene belonging to the Spanish Baroque we can appreciate a certain Flemish influence in the way of resolving the landscape, with a dreamlike character. The woman wearing a crown and riding a sea horse (this was the way of representing tritons that painters such as Poussin used to choose) probably represents Amphitrite, the wife of Poseidon. A knight with a long beard and clad in shining armour contemplates the beauty of the young woman emerging from the sea. The presence of Eros intervening with his poisoned arrow of love emphasises the interpretation of the scene as the representation of an amorous rapture, an instantaneous crush brought about by this unexpected vision. In front of the figure, a number of valuable gold objects are displayed on a table. Another figure, hidden in the foliage, also gazes at the young woman. The mythological theme retains its mystery, with references to various Greek episodes narrated by Heraclitus and Ovid. The palette of shades of emerald blue, ochre and gold stands out. The ensemble immerses us in a dreamlike setting, to which the rich chromatic palette contributes, in which subtle gradations of blue and emerald dialogue with glimpses of gold and shades of bronze. The space has been worked on different levels, allowing the viewer's gaze to intermingle with the foliage until it reaches the misty cadences of the horizon.