Family Portrait

Born in Hulst, this Flemish historical and portrait painter was the most important portraitist in Antwerp where he was Dean of the artists’ organization, the Guild of St. Luke.  De Vos was influenced by his well known contemporary, Rubens, painting in a very personal manner with great expression and technical skill.

In this family portrait, we see father, mother and child wearing their finest garments, indicating both their wealth and status in society. The child reaches out to grab one of the glistening grapes as her mother gently restrains her.  The grapes in the still life may be a reference to Christ’s blood, part of the celebration of the Eucharist.