Hans von Achen (Cologne 1552 – Prague 1615) workshop, The Adoration of the Shepherds

Hans (or Johann) von Achen (Cologne 1552 – Prague 1615) workshop
The adoration of the shepherds

Oil painting on canvas

112 x 90 cm./ Framed 125 x 102 cm.

The painting that we are pleased to offer you, a work of excellent pictorial quality, illustrates the episode of the Nativity with the Adoration of the Shepherds; takes the compositional idea from the altarpiece that Hans von Achen (Cologne 1552 – Prague 1615) created for the Gothic Evangelical Church of Stitnik (fig.1), still set in the main altar of the main nave today.

From a technical point of view we are led to consider our work as an interesting example coming from Von Achen's workshop, therefore dating back to the end of the sixteenth century or the beginning of the seventeenth century.

The iconography, which already enjoyed great success at the time thanks to Jan Sadeler's print (*), was depicted in countless versions.
(*) https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/stampe/schede/1q030-00306/?view=autori&offset=0&hid=4456&sort=sort_int

We therefore know several works both created by the painter and executed by followers, often with some variations: we can mention that of the Sabaudia gallery in Turin (fig.2) (https://lavenaria.it/en/node/2052), that of Kunsthistorisches Museum (fig.3) (https://www.khm.at/objektdb/detail/27/) or even the thing about the Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery (fig.4) (https://artuk.org/discover /artworks/nativity-scene-136365).

The moment in which the shepherds reach the hut of the Nativity is represented: the Virgin, with Saint Joseph at her side and two magnificent angels taking part in the event, is portrayed as she proudly shows her child to the group of adoring shepherds. Three other playful angels hold the scroll announcing the birth of the Savior.

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

German by origin, Hans von Aachen was one of the best protagonists of international mannerism between the two centuries; his life was characterized by a long pilgrimage which, from his hometown of Cologne, led him to stay for more than a decade in Italy, precisely in Venice (documented in 1574), then in Rome, where he created the altarpiece of the Adoration of the shepherds and again in Florence (until around 1587). He later went to Germany, and then moved permanently to Prague in 1592, where he worked in the service of the patron Rudolf II (1552-1612).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize 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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