Lot 335: Nicolaus Knupfer (Leipzig 1603-1660 Utrecht)

Nicolaus Knupfer (Leipzig 1603-1660 Utrecht)
Theseus Proposing Marriage to Phaedra
oil on panel
18½ x 25 in. (47 x 63.5 cm.)

J. Kuznetzov, 'Nikolaus Knupfer...', Jahrbruch der Staalichen Ermitage, VIII, 3, 1964, no.132A.
J. Kuznetzov, 'Nikolaus Knupfer (1603?-1655)', Oud Holland, LXXXVIII, 3, 1974, no.132A.
J. Saxton, Nicolaus Knupfer, an original artist: monograph and catalogue raisonné of paintings and drawings, Doornspijk, 2005, pp. 139-140, no. 45.

with State Art Dealer, Antikvariat, St. Petersburg, 1929/1931.
Cater Allen, et al.; Christie's, London, 23 April 1982, no. 53, as 'attributed to Dirck Metius'.
with Richard Feigen, New York, from whom purchased by the late owner in 1996.

PROPERTY FROM THE WILLIAM F. REILLY COLLECTION

The present lot depicts the unfaithful Theseus -- king of Athens and famed slayer of monsters -- proposing marriage to Phaedra, while his spurned wife, Hippolyta and her band of Amazons, stands ready for battle in the background. The source for this very rare episode from the life of Theseus remain uncertain; however, it most likely comes from Demosthenes' Rising of the Amazons and Apollodorus' Epitome. Apollodorus recounts the tale of Hippolyta, who arrives at the wedding of Phoedra and Theseus armed with Amazons, only to be slain after having the doors closed upon them.