- Plan your visit
- See and do
- Collection
- About us
Go back
Jan Worst
After Virtue, 2008
Jan Worst (1953) himself says that his paintings do not tell a story, and yet his works fire your imagination. The artist creates dream worlds of luxury in which everything appears possible and time stands still. From 1971 to 1976, Worst studied at the Minerva Art Academy in Groningen.
His interior
...
s are inspired by old English country houses, packed with antique furniture, carpets, books. Worst populates these interiors with figures taken from his enormous archive of cuttings. After trying endless positions, the cut out figures find their places and the artist paints them into the composition. The combination of elements from different periods creates something of a timeless final product.
The upper half of the painting is dominated by an enormous tapestry showing a scene from classical mythology, the meeting of Bacchus and Ariadne. The god of wine falls in love on the spot and ‘saves’ the deserted and heartbroken princess. Is Worst referring to what is happening in the room? It has the feel of a dramatic film scene; the woman to the fore on her knees appears to be on the verge of despair. She looks to the heavens, is that where she will find her salvation?
Text: Renate Ketelaars, guide and museum host
Artist
Jan Worst
Title
After Virtue
Year
2008
Technique
Oil on canvas
Size
210 x 200 cm (h x w)
Type of object
Painting
Copyright
© Jan Worst
This work is protected by copyright. You need permission from the creator or his heir to download, edit, copy or publish it.
