Jan van Dalen

Jan van Dalen or Jan van Dalen (I) (fl. 1632 – 1670) was a Flemish painter active in Antwerp in the mid-17th century who is known for a few works executed in a Caravaggesque style. His work has been confused with a namesake referred to as Jan van Dalen (II) (Gorinchem c. 1610 - after 1677) who was active in the Dutch Republic and is known for still lifes and portraits.

Life

Very little is known about the life of Jan van Dalen. His date of birth is placed between 1600 and 1620 and his time of death some time between 1662 and 1682. Middeleer was a painter, printmaker and publisher whose other well-known pupils included Cornelis de Bryer and Frans Geffels.

The artist is believed to have remained active in Antwerp where he is mentioned for the last time in 1669–1670. In the version in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Jan van Dalen gave the deity a mischievous and challenging expression which appears to invite the viewer to enjoy a glass of wine with him. The wild and boisterous character of the god and his disregard for, and transgression of, limits and borders are emphasized by the wreath of ivy he is wearing.