Flemish Artist, Lot and His Daughters, Oil on Panel, Late 16th-Early 17th Century

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The oil painting on panel depicts a famous episode from the biblical story narrated in the book of Genesis: Lot … Read more The oil painting on panel depicts a famous episode from the biblical story narrated in the book of Genesis: Lot is fleeing from the city of Sodom, which burns in the background by divine punishment, and having retreated into a cave, dazed by wine, he will be seen lying with two of his daughters to ensure his lineage. This panel shows interesting pictorial qualities, and stylistically, we can deduce that it was produced between the last quarter of the 16th century and the first of the 17th century in a Flemish setting; more precisely, it was probably executed by a painter belonging to the thriving school of Antwerp. from the second half of the 16th century, the largest commercial port in Northern Europe was in full economic and artistic development and boasted numerous important masters. Among these, an important contribution to the updating of 16th-century Flemish painting was given by Jan Matsys (Antwerp 1510-1575), a member of a dynasty of excellent painters, who first studied Mannerism in Italy between Florence and Rome and then in Founteinbleau, importing this knowledge into Flanders and gradually spreading it to the various Flemish artistic schools throughout the second half of the century. Another important master with similar vicissitudes was Frans Floris (Antwerp 1517-1570), who, enamored of Italian painting seen in Rome and Venice, opened a studio with more than 100 students upon his return to northern lands, following the canons of Italian models in his teachings. It is precisely in this large workshop that we find important similarities from an iconographic and figurative point of view, but also in the particularly enameled way of coloring. The painting evokes a certain attention to detail, for example in the complexions of the characters, or in the shimmering reflections of light that break in the cadences of the drapery of luxurious fabrics. Typical of this artistic production is the presence in the scene of the small still life of fruit, placed on a tray and exquisitely made. The painting is in perfect condition and does not require any restoration. As you can see, the panel shows the classic horizontal cracking of Flemish panels of the period, which helps us to understand that the panel is ancient and original. Panel dimensions 65cm x 50cm with frame 79cm x 68cm The sale will be accompanied by a certificate of historical authenticity in accordance with the law of our antiques gallery. See less