Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories
                    - Games 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>Joachim Wtewael : A Closer Look

# 

Pleasure and Piety: The Art of Joachim Wtewael (1566–1638)

Joachim Wtewael: A Closer Look

Mars and Venus Surprised by Vulcan

Kitchen Scene with the Parable of the Great Supper

The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis

Moses Striking the Rock

                  - Wtewael, Joachim Anthonisz
                  - Dutch , 1566 - 1638

Joachim Wtewael: A Closer Look

Whether large scenes on canvas or small pictures on copperplates, the paintings of Joachim Wtewael demand close, sustained looking. This mannerist artist filled his intricate compositions with figures in convoluted poses and enlivened the scenes with charming details that are not always evident at first glance. Indeed, Karel van Mander, who included Wtewael in his influential 1604 book on painters, praised the artist for his “excellent judgment and intellect” and for his ability to conceive paintings “from his mind or imagination.”  Wtewael depicted dozens of biblical and mythological stories, but many of these subjects—though well known during his day—are no longer familiar to a broad audience. And some of his narratives are so complex that even the main characters can be difficult to locate. This feature takes a close look at four paintings that represent the engaging and witty approach of this masterful storyteller.

*Mars and Venus Surprised by Vulcan*1604–1608 oil on copper The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles  Digital Image Courtesy of the Getty’s Open Content Program

***Kitchen Scene with the Parable of the Great Supper*1605  oil on canvas  Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Bpk, Berlin / Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen / Jörg P. Anders / Art Resource, NY

***The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis*1612  oil on copper  Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts. Image © Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA / Michael Agee

***Moses Striking the Rock*1624oil on panelNational Gallery of Art, Washington, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

Banner image: Joachim Wtewael, *Moses Striking the Rock* (detail), 1624, oil on panel, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

### Stay connected

Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.

About
          - About the National Gallery
          - Stories
          - Press
          - FAQs
          - Contact Us

Plan a Visit
          - Getting Here
          - Accessibility
          - Today's Tours
          - Food & Drink
          - Calendar
          - Downloadable Map

Get Involved
          - Donate
          - Membership
          - Volunteer
          - Opportunities
          - Shop Online

Resources
          - Search the Collection
          - Conservation
          - Library
          - Archives
          - The Center
          - Film Programs
          - Music Programs
          - Audio/Video
          - Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*

          -  Twitter 
          -  Facebook 
          -  Instagram 
          -  Pinterest 
          -  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy