At the swan pond

Details

Provenienz:
Lempertz, Köln, Auktion, 30.10.1937, Los 88;
Auktionshaus Quentin, Berlin, Auktion, 19.10.2013, Los 100;
Privatsammlung, Deutschland.

Descrizione

Gabriel Puig Roda, who grew up as the son of simple farmers in a suburb of Valencia, excelled as a genre painter after studying art. Here he depicts three ladies in traditional Spanish costume trying to attract swans with food in a park. Between them on a pedestal stands a sculpture of Hera, recognisable by her chaste attire, consisting of the puffed-up chiton and the royal headdress. In her hands she holds a sceptre and a sacrificial bowl (patera) as a symbol of her rule. It is possible that Hera, goddess of marriage, is intended as an allusion to the Leda myth. Her husband (and brother), the father of the gods Zeus, was known to be a philanderer and had many affairs, which resulted in numerous extramarital children.