THIS OBJECT WAS SOLD
Fontainebleau School, *fons Mariæ* (*source Of The Virgin*), Oil On Panel, Early 17th Century
Oil on wood panel depicting one of the attributes of the Virgin Mary as listed in the Litany of Loreto, a popular prayer whose composition was effectively finalized in the mid-16th century and was ratified by Clement VIII in 1601.
The iconography, namely the Virgin’s spring or fountain, is labeled “FONS MARIÆ” in a cartouche featuring a motif of cut and coiled leather in the distinctive Bellifontaine style imported to France by Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio for royal decorations.
The function of the image echoes that found in the books of emblems, which were highly popular in the 16th century, featuring a interplay of correspondences and references between image and text. The Virgin’s fountain, alongside other attributes drawn from the Song of Songs and incorporated into Marian devotion through these litanies, thus points to a phenomenon of intericonicity between Mary and the Bride of the Old Testament.
A painting with rare iconography, whose style straddles the line between popular devotion and formal borrowings from the grand decorations created for Francis I, adds yet another layer of soul.
Set in a beautiful antique carved softwood frame; the panel is mounted on crimson velvet.
The iconography, namely the Virgin’s spring or fountain, is labeled “FONS MARIÆ” in a cartouche featuring a motif of cut and coiled leather in the distinctive Bellifontaine style imported to France by Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio for royal decorations.
The function of the image echoes that found in the books of emblems, which were highly popular in the 16th century, featuring a interplay of correspondences and references between image and text. The Virgin’s fountain, alongside other attributes drawn from the Song of Songs and incorporated into Marian devotion through these litanies, thus points to a phenomenon of intericonicity between Mary and the Bride of the Old Testament.
A painting with rare iconography, whose style straddles the line between popular devotion and formal borrowings from the grand decorations created for Francis I, adds yet another layer of soul.
Set in a beautiful antique carved softwood frame; the panel is mounted on crimson velvet.
Explore similar pieces and discover your ideal find:
religious paintings
