Genre Scene

Frans III depicts a company assembled round a richly decked table. Dressed in all their finery, with softly shimmering colours, delicate lace and choice jewellery, they make a convivial group. The trio on the right are playing backgammon. On the table, with a thick cover and a white cloth, roast chicken, oysters, bread and pie stand ready. The young maid with the décolleté leans over the man seated in front of her, while he is still holding the lady beside him with both hands. The young man’s posture and gestures make clear the real object of this social gathering – further illustrated by the two paintings in the background.
The artist shows debauchery and moderation as counterparts. The story of the seduction of Danae, in Greek and Roman mythology, is juxtaposed with the biblical tale of Sodom and Gomorrah. Zeus descends upon Danae as a golden shower (Ovid, Metamorphoses IV, 611ff). Perseus, the son of this union, will – as the oracle prophesied – kill his grandfather by accident. The liaison of the father of the gods points up the lecherous advances of the revellers. Fire and brimstone rains upon the iniquitous cities of Sodom und Gomorrah (Gen 19, 24/25). Thus this painting belongs to the genre of the brothel scene, the bordeeltje. The rutting dog and the oysters, with their aphrodisiac association, are further indications of this society’s debauchery.

DUCKE Astrid: Francken Frans III., Genre Scene, in: DUCKE Astrid, HABERSATTER Thomas, OEHRING Erika: Masterworks. Residenzgalerie Salzburg. Salzburg 2015, p. 76