Magnus Jørgensen

MAGNUS JØRGENSEN (Denmark, 1683-1738).
"Two gentlemen enjoying a meal", 1724.
Oil on canvas.
Signed: Magnus Jørgens(en) Pinxit et invenit Ao 1724.
Back frame.
Measurements: 105 x 120,5 cm; 115 x 131 cm (frame).

The painter Magnus Jørgensen specialized in scenes capturing everyday life and allegorical or mythological subjects. His work shows characteristics of the art of his time, the Baroque, with a focus on composition and detail, as well as the use of vibrant colors. On this occasion he shows two typically Dutch gentlemen who are about to enjoy a copious meal with succulent viands. Both characters respond to the Dutch prototype: while one smokes (thus alluding to the genre of "The Pipe Smoker" by Teniers), his companion raises his glass to pour wine from a decanter (which reminds us of paintings such as "The Drinker" (also by Teniers). The monumentality of the characters, however, differs from what the Dutch master was accustomed to painting. His work is currently preserved in the National Gallery of Denmark. It is known that he worked in Copenhagen between 1683 and 1719.