Pieter van Avont (Mechelen 1600-Antwerp 1652)
with Isaac van Oosten (Antwerp 1613-1661)? and
Jan van Kessel the Elder (Antwerp 1626-1679)?
Dancing Putti in a Country Landscape (Allegory of the Elements)
Oil on wood, 43.7 x 64 cm
Signed at lower right with the monogram PvA
The painting is an example of the collaboration of several artists, a frequent phenomenon in Antwerp art: van Avont for the putti, van Oosten for the landscape and trees; Jan van Kessel the Elder for the still lifes, birds and sky. Nonetheless, the painting appears unified by a skilful direction that pulls everything together in a charming, pleasant scene.
