Simon de Vos

Private collection, United States;

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 26 January 2007, lot 444;

Where acquired.

Painted on a large, single sheet of copper, this signed and dated work by Simon de Vos ranks among the Flemish painter’s most impressive creations. The richly composed scene, animated figures, and saturated color palette are hallmarks of the artist, whose oeuvre spans merry companies, biblical subjects, and mythological scenes. This magnificent portrayal of an intimate yet lively gathering reflects the influence of contemporaries such as Dirck Hals and Pieter Codde, who also excelled in portraying lively social gatherings of the period; yet, de Vos’ resplendent colors and nuanced narrative distinguish his approach to the genre. 

At the heart of the scene, a group of elegantly dressed figures seated around a table are immersed in music, drinking, gaming, and gallantry. Their opulent costumes–composed of shimmering silks, lace trims, feathers, and furs–appear to contradict the rustic tavern interior they inhabit. The humble setting is richly adorned with objects, from suspended game animals to scattered playing cards and discarded pewterware and pipes, hinting at an atmosphere of indulgence and uninhibited revelry. De Vos’ meticulous rendering of these still life elements demonstrates an exceptional refinement and handling of light, enhanced by the luminous surface effect from the underlying copper support. 

Beyond its visual splendor, this lavish genre scene serves as a vehicle for social commentary. De Vos sometimes imbued his works with allegorical or moralizing undertones, as seen here in the charming inclusion of a small dog, symbolizing fidelity amidst frivolity. A young boy, crouched beside the oblivious red-caped gentleman at the center, is poised to snatch his sack of money, providing a satirical warning about the consequences of overindulgence and moral lapses. Adding to the theatricality, the man standing before the hearth at left directly engages the viewer with a tilted head and a knowing grin. 

The present composition incorporates certain elements from The Fortune Teller (Antwerp, Royal Museum of Fine Arts, inv. no. 899), painted by de Vos one year earlier. Yet this work surpasses its predecessor in scale and complexity. Intended to delight and amuse a seventeenth-century audience, this Merry Company exemplifies de Vos’ ability to seamlessly merge technical mastery with layered storytelling, offering both a feast for the eyes and a subtle moral lesson.