JACOB VAN HAL (1672-1750). Dancing Bacchantes.

Jacob van Hal (1672-1750), Dancing Bacchantes, oil on canvas, painted, signed 'I on the column in the lower center of the picture. VAN HAL', ca. 66 x 84.5 cm, with frame ca. 82.5 x 100.5 cm

EXPERTISE: With a photo report from Dr. Walther Bernt, Munich, 31.7.1974 (attached)

The Flemish artist van Hal comes from Antwerp and initially apprenticed with the miniature painter Markus Lommelin. He later turned to oil painting. Various apprentices joined his workshop between 1694 and 1716, and in 1705/06 he was also dean of the Guild of St. Luke. In particular, he created representations of Ovid, Bacchanalia and biblical motifs. The comparative piece in the Pommersfelden Gallery mentioned in the report bears the title 'Esther before Ahasver'.