Lot 1027 Dα

The theme of Belshazzar's Feast (Daniel, 5, 1-25) was rarely painted in the Middle Ages but became popular during the Counter-Reformation. It was often painted in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in Flanders, for example by the artists of the Francken family. In Lorraine the theme was interpreted in fantastic nocturnes with emphasised effects of light. Examples can be seen in the paintings of Monsù Desiderio (Hartford, Wadsworth Atheneum) and works from the circle of Claude Deruet (Douai, Musée de la Chartreuse). This painting can be considered a work from this group. It depicts a hall with long tables and decorated with tapestries. On the left side sits Beshazzar and his queen. On the opposite side is the mysterious hand which judges Belshazzar: “Weighed and found wanting.”