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The Ill-matched Pair, 1566. Creator: Jan Massys
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The Ill-matched Pair, 1566. Creator: Jan Massys
The Ill-matched Pair, 1566. A marriage for economic reasons between people of different ages
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Media ID 36362560
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Apple Apples Coin Coinage Coins Currency Elderly Man Funny Grape Grapes Hand Gestures Hands La Jeunesse Money Northern Renaissance Old Age Old Man Old Men Parrot Touching Youth Jan Massys Jan Matsys National Museum Sweden Nationalmuseum Sweden Netherlandish Stockholm National Museum
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The Ill-matched Pair,
EDITORS COMMENTS
a captivating oil on panel painting created by the renowned Dutch artist Jan Massys in 1566, offers a witty and thought-provoking commentary on the concept of marriage for economic reasons between people of vastly different ages. The painting depicts an elderly man, dressed in rich clothing and holding a coin purse, seated next to a young woman, adorned in fine jewelry and holding an apple. The contrast between their ages is further emphasized by the presence of a parrot perched on the old man's shoulder, symbolizing wisdom and experience, while a pair of young birds on the windowsill represent youth and innocence. The old man, with a knowing smile and a hand gesturing towards the young woman, seems to be relishing the financial security and social status that comes with their union. The young woman, with a slightly amused expression and a hand touching her cheek, appears to be more contemplative about the arrangement. The use of color and the attention to detail in the painting, particularly in the textures of the fruit and the intricacy of the clothing, showcase Massys' mastery of the Northern Renaissance style. This intriguing painting, now housed in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, invites viewers to ponder the complexities of human relationships, the passage of time, and the role of wealth and status in society. The inclusion of the apples and grapes further emphasizes the theme of abundance and the transience of youth, adding a layer of depth to the allegorical meaning of the work. Overall, The Ill-matched Pair is a humorous and insightful commentary on the human condition that continues to resonate with audiences today.
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