Bartholomäus Spranger (antwerp, 1546 - 1611), Adoration Of The Shepherds

Bartholomäus Spranger (Antwerp, 1546 - Prague, 1611) Workshop/circle of
Adoration of the Shepherds

Oil on canvas
114 x 90 cm.
Framed 126 x 101 cm.

The proposed painting, illustrating the episode of the Nativity with the Adoration of the Shepherds, takes its composition from a 1606 creation by Bartholomäus Spranger (Antwerp, 1546 - Prague, 1611), a great master and leading exponent of European Mannerism, active at the court of the Habsburgs, under Rudolf II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, who moved the capital of his kingdom from Vienna to Prague, giving rise to a period of sumptuous collecting (the wunderkammern) and sophisticated patronage.

From a stylistic point of view, we are led to consider our work as an interesting specimen from his workshop or by an author from his close circle, thus datable to the very first decades of the 17th century.

The iconography already enjoyed great popularity at the time thanks to the court engraver Jan Harmensz von Müller (Amsterdam, 1571 - 1628)
(*) https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1853-0312-48

Thus, several works are known, both by the painter and executed by followers, often with some variants: we can mention the one by Matthäus Gundelach from the National Gallery in Prague (https://sbirky.ngprague.cz/en/dielo/CZE:NG.DO_4577), or the one in the Graf Buquoy private collection from Hohenberg Castle in Bohemia, and the painting that appeared on the Paris art market in 1986 (Ader Picard Tajan). The same composition can also be found in large format as an altarpiece in the Wiener Neustadt parish church and in the Wenzelskirche in Naumburg.

The work is very clearly influenced by Italian Mannerism - Spranger studied in Italy in the late 1660s - modulated on Nordic examples of refined elegance.

The moment when the shepherds reach the hut of the Nativity is depicted: the Virgin, with St. Joseph at her side and two magnificent angels sharing the event, is portrayed proudly showing her child to the group of adoring shepherds.

In the upper part is an arch of clouds in dark shadow from which the rays of light from the sky descend into the background and illuminate the scene below. In the upper right-hand corner is a table organ operated by a cherub with raised wings, in front of which is a boy with a lute.

The theatricality of the scene, which takes up the same structure as the original prototype, is enhanced by the vivid, intense and brilliant colours, as well as by the strength of the strokes of light that pierce the nocturnal setting.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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Ref: HM2V0B2IR6