Large 17th-century Flemish Painting, Rest On The Flight Into Egypt

An important 17th-centuryFlemish painting. Oil on canvas, on the first canvas, depicting theRest on the Flight into Egypt, based on the composition created byAnthony Van Dyck around 1630 and now housed at the Alte Pinakothek inMunich.

The scene shows the Virginseated at the foot of a large tree, holding the sleeping Child inboth hands, tenderly resting against her chest. Behind them appearsSaint Joseph, almost entirely immersed in shadow, a silent andprotective presence during the Holy Family's stop on their journey toEgypt. On the right, the vegetation thins out, giving way to a broadlandscape that gives depth to the scene.

The composition derivesfrom one of Van Dyck's most intense religious inventions, a mastercapable of combining the Flemish tradition with the chromaticrichness of Venetian painting and a delicate observation ofaffections. In the present painting, the prototype is adapted to amore horizontal format, expanding the landscape and giving breadth tothe scene.

The work stands out forits exceptionally high quality of execution, evident in the softmodeling of the flesh tones, the naturalness of the Child's body, andthe skillful articulation of the drapery. The pictorial materialeffectively conveys the different textures of the fabrics: the warm,rich red of the Virgin's robe, the deep blue of the cloak, and theluminous white of the drape are rendered through rich, balancedchromatic passages.

The thin, transparent veildraped over the Virgin's head is remarkably refined, its lightnessbarely perceptible. The fabric falls delicately from Mary's head andextends partially over the Child's body, barely covering him andcreating a visual transition of great intimacy.

Of great historicalinterest is the ancient label applied at the top left with theinscription "Hauskammerei-Inventar, Seite 1712, O.-No. 373."Similar labels are documented on works and furnishings from thecollections of the Grand Ducal House of Baden, one of the oldest andmost noble German families. The label thus suggests provenance from aprestigious princely collection in the German-speaking area. A secondinventory number, "700," is also present at the bottomcenter, referring to its cataloguing.

The painting is housed ina large wooden frame, internally decorated with a gilded frieze, froma later period but of considerable visual impact. It shows some signsof wear and ancient wormholes (see photo).

This work is of particularcollector's interest, combining Van Dyck's evocative power with apossible dynastic provenance from Central Europe. Its large size, thegentleness of the subject, and the sweeping landscape make it apainting suited to a collection of old masters as well as to salons,professional studios, libraries, and reception rooms, whetherclassical or contemporary.

The painting has alreadybeen restored, with the stretcher replaced and small areas of colorretouched, but is in overall good condition. Internal dimensions: H76 cm, W 94.5 cm.

As each of our products it willbeaccompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee withphotographic documentation. Visit our website www.parino.it, freeshipping throughout Europe in costum-made wooden crates. Buy ininstallments without interest.