Workshop of Hendrick Van Balen, Madonna and Child, 1500s-1600s, Oil on Board, Framed

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Description

Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp 1575 – 1632) workshop

Possibly Jan van Balen (Antwerp 1611 – 1654)

Madonna and Child with … Read more Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp 1575 – 1632) workshop

Possibly Jan van Balen (Antwerp 1611 – 1654)

Madonna and Child with Three Angels

Oil on panel (65 x 50 cm - framed 94 x 80 cm)

The delightful sacred image immortalized in this work follows the canonical compositional structure of the Madonna holding the swaddled infant Christ, seen in a playful moment, while his mother tickles the child's lip to make him laugh. At their side are three plump little angels, who, like curious children, enjoy observing the scene.

Focused on the refined poses and the vivid colors, the sacredness of the image is softened by the spontaneous gestures of the protagonists, suggesting a scene of everyday life rather than a religious image. The vibrant colors also emphasize the joyful event, although the golden background and the luminous halo emanating from the Virgin evoke the divine dimension of the figures.

The stylistic elements of the painting are part of the Romanist movement that developed in Antwerp on the eve of Rubens's return from Italy, and are characterized as a sort of Northern variant of mature Italian Mannerism.

The artist of the work, dated to the early 17th century, although the pictorial style still owes much to earlier models, can be found among the large group of students of the Flemish master Hendrick van Balen. In particular, we believe it can be attributed to his son and pupil Jan van Balen (Antwerp 1611–1654), offering a perfect example of his painting, in whose work we can discern the typical characteristics of the Italianizing Flemish movement, inherited in turn from his father.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is presented in a beautiful wooden frame and 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