Imaginary interior of a monument to the Habsburg family
Description
This painting is a near-close representation of the Carlo Borromeo Church in Antwerp. Constructed between 1615 and 1621, the church was designed by Peter Huyssens and Jesuit rector, Franciscus Augilonius. Previously titled Interior of the Austrian Emperor’s Palace, the painting may have been named so due to the prominent monument at its centre, resembling a shrine or altar. However, the partially opened door reveals columns and miniature sculptures within, suggesting it is a type of cabinet. The Kunst-kabinet (cabinet) in the painting is adorned with the Habsburg double eagle and crown. Such cabinets were popular among monarchs for showcasing their collections of exotic objects. On the right side, a park with Baroque garden sculptures can be seen.
Born in Germany, the artist, Wilhelm Schubert van Ehrenberg, specialised in architectural paintings. Van Ehrenberg was likely a pupil of the architectural painter Dirck van Delen (1604/5–1671). Van Ehrenberg was the founder of the Antwerp School of Architectural Painting.
Sir Ratan Tata Art Collection
Collection
European Paintings
Artist
Wilhelm Schubert Van Ehrenberg (1630 – after 1687)
Object Type
Oil Painting
Material
Oil on canvas
Schools/Culture/Period
Dutch
Technique
Oil Painting
Date
17th century CE
Location
Germany
Dimension
119.8 x 143.5 cm