Tomás Hiepes

Monkey in a Garden (1654)

Tomás Hiepes

Carnations in a Maiolica Vase (c. 1664)

Tomás Hiepes

A Strawberry Plant

Tomás Hiepes

Still Life with Perseus, Andromeda and the Dragon of Poseidon

“The present composition belongs to a group of pictures by the artist in which still-life elements are incorporated into the landscapes  some of which also include animals, reminiscent of the work of d’Hondecoeter, and some of which depict figures. The abundant still-life elements here serve to frame a composition beyond, showing Andromeda chained to a rock as Perseus races to slay the dragon below. It was not unusual for Hiepes to include smaller compositions within his still lifes; he frequently depicted classical landscapes, for example, on vases containing flowers. Yet the prominence of the mythological tale would here appear to be an innovation in his work, providing an animated juxtaposition to the still life: the drama and movement of the scene unfolding in the background, with the windswept sea and open-mouthed dragon, clearly contrasts with the idyllic calm of the fruit, flowers and rabbits.”

Tomás Hiepes

Myrtle in a Maiolica Manises Vase (1663)