NURSING VIRGIN MARY. OIL ON BOARD. HISPANO-FLEMISH SCHOOL, 16TH CENTURY.
Antiques - Paintings
Reference: ZF1395
Virgin of the Milk. Oil on panel. Hispano-Flemish school, 16th century. It has flaws and restorations. Panel depicting the Virgin Mary in a tunic and mantle, her hair partially covered, in three-quarter view, with curtains in the background, breastfeeding the Child Jesus. The heads of both figures are highlighted with a thin halo, and in the foreground is a bench with a book, some cherries, and a vase of flowers (lilies and roses, possibly alluding to Mary's purity and virginity). This iconography originated in Byzantium (where it was known as Galactotrofusa) and enjoyed popularity in Europe until the decrees of the Council of Trent (Italy, 1545-1563), at which point it seems to have ceased appearing so frequently in some parts of the continent due to concerns about modesty. Engravings by Dürer and many other works with a composition similar to that of this panel have been preserved. Stylistically, the influence of the Flemish school and Spanish touches are clear, placing it within the Hispano-Flemish school. There is evidence of a number of panels in private collections linked to followers of Joos Van Cleve (also known as Joos van der Beke; c. 1485–1490 – 1540/1541; active in Antwerp) that are very similar in composition to this one, suggesting inspiration from one or more shared works. Compare, noting the differences, with van Cleve's panel of the Holy Family in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (inventory 32.100.57), dated around 1512. It is also worth mentioning the one in the Museum of Fine Arts of A Coruña (Spain), dated to the 16th century.
· Size: 60x5x73 cms. int. 50x64 cms
6.000 €
