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 faults and restorations. Panel depicting the Virgin wearing a tunic and cloak, her hair partially covered, three-quarter length, with curtains in the background, breastfeeding the Child Jesus. Their heads are highlighted with a fine halo, and in the foreground is a small platform 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 Council of Trent (Italy, 1545-1563), when it appears to have ceased to appear as frequently in some parts of the continent due to issues of modesty. Engravings by Dürer and many other works with a composition similar to this panel have survived. Stylistically, the influence of the Flemish school and Spanish touches on his painting is clear, placing it within the Hispano-Flemish school. There is evidence of a series 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 the present one, which would indicate inspiration from one or more shared works. Compare, noting the differences, with van Cleve's panel of the Holy Family held by the Metropolitan Museum in New York (inventory 32.100.57), which dates back to around 1512. It is also worth remembering the one held in the Museum of Fine Arts in A Coruña (Spain), which dates from the 16th century.
· Size: 60x5x73 cms. int. 50x64 cms
6.000 €
