An arcadian landscape with mythological figures

Van Uyttenbroeck was born shortly before 1600 in The Hague, where in 1614 he became a member of the Guild of St. Luke. Although there is no documentary evidence that Van Uyttenbroeck traveled to Italy, his work was strongly influenced by Adam Elsheimer and the Italianizing landscape painters Poelenburch and Breenbergh, with whom he shared a predilection for pastoral and mythological subjects set within imaginary landscapes. Van Uyttenbroeck is especially known for his depictions of bacchanalia with music, dancing and erotic undercurrents. During his lifetime, Van Uyttenbroeck was highly regarded: Constantijn Huygens praised his ability and Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, was a patron.

This radiant landscape is a finely preserved example of Van Uyttenbroeck's work. Signed in monogram and dated 1626, this lushly painted composition consists of ruins overlooking a steep hill and a rocky cliff that opens abruptly into the picture plane. The dangerous precipice echoes the animal behavior and free sensuality of the satyr with a goat and nude figures gathered under a large and leafy tree. The satyr holds grapes, while those behind him drink and dance, thus linking this scene to the freewheeling and alcohol-soaked world of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine.