Louis de Caullery

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 2 December 1977, lot 79;

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 12 December 1979, lot 241 (as Pieter Schoubroeck).

Nottingham Museum, on loan.

A Flemish Baroque painter active in Antwerp, Louis de Caullery was a pupil of Joos de Momper and became a master of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1602. Although he likely never travelled to Italy, his work reflects the influence of the Italian Renaissance, conspicuous in his festive scenes, urban views, as well as religious and historical subjects.

The painting shown here illustrates Aeneas’s flight from Troy – a famous episode from the Aeneid – set against a backdrop that blends architectural structures, classical elements, and contemporary references. In the foreground, the hero carries his father Anchises on his shoulders and follows his son Ascanius, who clutches the household gods, while the city burns behind them. They are part of the group of Trojans destined to become the mythical ancestors of the Roman people. The composition, animated by scenes of combat – including, perhaps, Paris and Achilles, behind Aeneas’s family – and burning buildings, also features the famous Trojan Horse at the right. The architectural richness, detailed costumes, and dramatic staging highlight Caullery’s narrative skill.

During a sale held by Sotheby’s in London in the late 1970s,¹ the painting was briefly attributed to Peter Schoubroeck. This uncertainty may be explained by their shared taste for imaginary architectures and animated scenes, their use of light and colour, and an iconographic repertoire shaped by both Flemish and Italian masters.

¹ Sotheby’s, London, 1 December 1979, lot 241.