After Pieter De Witte, Annunciation with the Archangel Gabriel, 1600, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Details

Description

Pieter de witte, also known as peter candid (bruges, 1548 – munich, 1628) - workshop/school
the annunciation

oil on canvas
… Read more Pieter de witte, also known as peter candid (bruges, 1548 – munich, 1628) - workshop/school
the annunciation

oil on canvas
(cm): 79 x 110 - framed 92 x 127

we are pleased to present a fascinating work, dating back to the early 17th century, inspired by the prototype of the annunciation conceived around 1586–1595 by pieter de witte, also known as peter candid (bruges, 1540/1548 – munich, 1628), which has been lost but was made famous by an engraving created and published by jan sadeler i (1550–1600).

a painter of flemish origins with strong affinities to the italianizing culture of the 16th century, de witte addressed the theme of the annunciation numerous times, revealing his knowledge of both roman and florentine mannerism, inherited from his italian sojourn. Some of these works are now held in various international museums, in addition to autograph or workshop works that can be found in numerous public and private collections; in this regard, we can mention the following:

- national museum in prague [1]
- accademia carrara in bergamo, angel of the annunciation and virgin of the annunciation [2]
- finnish national museum, helsinki
- private property, religious institution, bergamo (bergamo area)

[1] pieter de witte (workshop), annunciation, national museum, prague

[2] pieter de witte, virgin annunciate / angel of the annunciation, bergamo, accademia carrara, 1600 - 1610

looking at the composition, we can admire its rather consolidated iconographic scheme, with the two figures immersed in an almost dreamlike atmosphere: the archangel gabriel on the left, of ethereal beauty, appears imperious as he delivers the supreme announcement to the virgin mary, who welcomes him with downcast eyes, composed in her amazement; surprised as she reads a book, she receives the white lilies, a symbol of purity and chastity, while above appears the dove, emblem of the holy spirit, enveloped in a glow of light.

inspired, as previously mentioned, by the flemish painter's prototype, the painting is reproduced here quite faithfully and can therefore be compared to the numerous replicas and derivations of the painting—some of which are no longer traceable—attributed to the workshop of de witte. In particular, we believe its execution can be attributed to one of the many students who gravitated toward his work and, given its stylistic characteristics, almost certainly active in italy.

in our case, in fact, while observing a precious application of brilliant tones, the artist's typical northern style is softened by italian mannerist influences, with echoes of early 17th-century tuscan painting. Pieter de witte lived in italy for a period of his life, documented as a permanent resident of florence, so much so that his name was italianized to pietro il candido, precisely to recall his long artistic experience in the bel paese.

the work's state of conservation appears excellent; with some older restorations, the pictorial layer presents no problems whatsoever.

additional information:

the work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less