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Lot Essay
In her monograph on the artist, Dr. Ursula Härting lists three other works attributed to Francken (see U. Härting, Frans Francken der Jüngere, Freren, 1989, p. 339, nos. 342-344, all unseen), whilst a fourth was sold in these Rooms, 13 December 2000, lot 17 (£54,050). Of those, three depict the same moment of the story as the present picture, including another version of this composition, Härting's no. 344, which was sold in these Rooms, 23 March 1956, lot 102 (100 gns.).
The subject is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses (V; 1-235), and depicts the fight between the followers of Perseus and Phineus at the feast of the wedding of the former to Andromeda. Phineus - a disappointed suitor for Andromeda, and the brother of Andromeda's father, the King of Ethiopia - attacked Perseus, claiming the bride as his own. In the ensuing fight, most of Perseus' supporters were killed, forcing him to use the Medusa's head in self-defence, petrifying his enemies. Phineus is shown on the right, thrusting his lance at Perseus, centre.
The subject is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses (V; 1-235), and depicts the fight between the followers of Perseus and Phineus at the feast of the wedding of the former to Andromeda. Phineus - a disappointed suitor for Andromeda, and the brother of Andromeda's father, the King of Ethiopia - attacked Perseus, claiming the bride as his own. In the ensuing fight, most of Perseus' supporters were killed, forcing him to use the Medusa's head in self-defence, petrifying his enemies. Phineus is shown on the right, thrusting his lance at Perseus, centre.