Artist: After Pieter Paul Rubens
Title: The Judgement of Midas
Medium: Engraving
Dimensions: 23.4 x 28.8 cm
Date: 1734 - 1777
Artist or Maker: Pieter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), Frans Pilsen (Ghent, 1700 - Antwerp, 1784)

Description:
A finely executed engraving after Pieter Paul Rubens' The Judgement of Midas, illustrating the legendary tale of King Midas' misjudgment in a musical contest between Apollo and Pan. The composition captures the dramatic moment where Midas, having favored Pan's rustic melodies over Apollo’s divine harmony, is cursed with donkey ears as a symbol of his poor judgment. Executed with meticulous detail, the piece demonstrates the Baroque dynamism and expressive gestures characteristic of Rubens’ original work.

About the Engraver:
Frans Pilsen (1700-1784) was a prolific Flemish painter and engraver, recognized for his contributions to historical prints, architectural renderings, and portraits. Born in Ghent and trained in painting and engraving, he honed his engraving skills in Rome under the guidance of Robert van Audenaerde. Pilsen later returned to Ghent, where he became a prominent member of the Saint Luke’s Guild and balanced a dual career as an artist and papermaker. His engravings, many of which are preserved in Belgian and Dutch collections, reflect his technical expertise and dedication to historical documentation.

This engraving exemplifies Pilsen’s ability to translate Rubens’ masterful compositions into intricate prints, preserving the grandeur of the Baroque tradition.