We have here an outstanding landscape, painted in the early 16th century by Patinir, who was considered the forefather of landscape painting. In this picture, the Flemish artist used very gentle greens and blues which, along with a high horizon line, produced a landscape that conveyed a sense of great tranquillity. The subject appears to be merely a pretext for creating the view, because some of the figures are so small they are almost impossible to identify.
On the left, we can see angels, which are a reference to Earthly Paradise. In the centre is the Styx lagoon, which according to Classical mythology, the dead were obliged to cross, guided by the boatman, Charon, who is shown larger than the soul he is transporting. On the right hand side we can see the three-headed dog, Cerberus, who guards the gates to hell.
(c) (R) 2013, MUSMon com S.L.
Text (a) Catalina Serrano Romero
English translation (a) Thisbe Burns
The MUSMon audiguide to visit the National Prado Museum reveals to you the secrets of great masters and works, such as Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, Titian, Ribera, etc. It explains the main artistic and historical elements and tells you anecdotes and curiosities about a representative selection of works and authors present in the Madrid museum.
Why is there a clothed and a nude maja? Was Vulcano a crippled god? Who is the person that is reflected in the mirror? Is Rubens painted in his work Adoration of the Magi? We give you the answers to these and many other questions. +info