Scenes From The Life Of Christ, Pair Of Oil Paintings, Late 17th Century

Pair of Religious Paintings –
Scenes of the Passion and Glory of Christ.
Two oils on canvas (mounted on wood),
Antique blackened wood frames.
Central European School, late 17th – very early 18th century.
Dimensions with frame: 60 x 30 cm.
Good overall condition, minor losses and wear.

This pair of paintings each depicts two superimposed scenes, rendered in a rich palette (reds, greens, blues) and with a finely narrative style. Each painting is bordered by a wide trompe-l'œil painted frame: gilded floral garlands and stylized bows, serving as a decorative transition between the scenes and reinforcing the effect of precious image intended for an oratory.
The scenes depicted illustrate the Resurrection of Christ (Christ emerging from the tomb, the banner of victory, fallen soldiers) and the Ascension (Christ rising, apostles and the Virgin reunited). The second painting depicts the Lamentation. Descent from the Cross (the dead Christ, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Saint John, and the holy women) and Pentecost (Virgin Mary in the center, apostles, a radiant dove, and tongues of fire).
This type of painting corresponds to late Baroque production intended for private devotion: a condensed cycle associating death, resurrection, glorification, and the birth of the Church.
The gilded painted frame is reminiscent of the small, precious altarpieces and confraternity images common in the Catholic regions of Austria, Bohemia, and Bavaria.