ATTRIBUTED TO FRANS FRANCKEN II (ANTWERP 1581-1642)

This unusual subject was treated by Francken in at least two further autograph pictures, both of which are recorded by Ursula Härting (one in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, the other formerly in the collection of Philipp Lindstedt, Göteborg: see Härting, Frans Francken der Jüngere, Freren, 1989, p. 333, nos. 317-18). An allegory of the vanity of earthly riches, the picture shows the turbaned, wealthy Croesus, King of Lydia, showing the Athenian sage Solon golden vessels and other riches; at which the latter commented that the humble, when blessed with good fortune, were happier than Croesus with all his wealth.