Madonna and Child with three angels, Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp 1575 – 1632) workshop

Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp 1575 – 1632) workshop

Possible Jan van Balen (Antwerp 1611 – 1654)

Madonna with Child and three angels

oil on panel (65 x 50 cm. – in frame 94 x 80 cm.)

The pleasant sacred image immortalized in this work is structured on the canonical compositional structure with the Madonna holding the newborn Baby Jesus in swaddling clothes, seen in a playful moment, while the mother tickles the baby's lip to make him laugh; at their side three chubby little angels who, like curious children, enjoy observing the scene.

Focused on the refinement of the poses and the liveliness of the chromatic material, the sacredness of the image is softened by the spontaneous gestures of the protagonists, which bring to mind a scene of everyday life rather than a religious image. The bright colors also underline the joyful event, although the golden background and the luminous halo spread by the Virgin recall the divine dimension of the characters.

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

The author of the work, which can be dated back to the early seventeenth century although the pictorial stylistic features are still indebted to chronologically earlier models, is to be found among the large group of students of the Flemish master Hendrick van Balen; in particular, in our opinion, it could be attributed to the hand of his son and pupil Jan van Balen (Antwerp 1611 – 1654), showing a perfect example of his painting, in whose production the typical characteristics of the Italianizing Flemish current inherited in turn from his father are identified.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is completed by a pleasant wooden frame and is sold 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.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this operation are included.

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