# Scaldis and Antwerpia

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/janssens-abraham-r01eeb68d62fe5e/scaldis-and-antwerpia-rbe6610954adb96>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [JANSSENS, Abraham](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/janssens-abraham-r01eeb68d62fe5e>)
- Date: 1601-1650
- Technique: Oil on panel, 174 x 308 cm

## Commentary

In addition to his favourite allegorical scenes, Abraham Janssens also painted religious and mythological themes. Janssens was slightly younger than Rubens, and for a time was his equal. After his visit to Italy, however, Rubens quickly surpassed him. Janssens painted Scaldis and Antwerpia for the State Room or &#39;Staetencamer&#39; of Antwerp Town Hall. This decorative, allegorical work, commissioned by the city authorities, originally adorned the chimney breast, and consists of a paean of praise to the city&#39;s main artery, the River Scheldt. The sharp contrast between light and dark recalls Caravaggio, who had a great influence upon many of the artists of the time.

## Related artworks

- [Hercules and Omphale](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/janssens-abraham-r01eeb68d62fe5e/hercules-and-omphale-r642e24f1897cfe>)
- [Philemon and Baucis Entertaining Jupiter and Mercury](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/janssens-abraham-r01eeb68d62fe5e/philemon-and-baucis-entertaining-jupiter-and-mercury-racf388832f0cb9>)
- [St Jerome](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/janssens-abraham-r01eeb68d62fe5e/st-jerome-r607a932de37dbb>)
- [Venus and Adonis](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/janssens-abraham-r01eeb68d62fe5e/venus-and-adonis-r60728e2e8a0b67>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)