The Adoration Of The Magi – Workshop Of Ambrosius I Francken (1544–1618)
Oak panel, three boards. Antwerp School, circa1600, workshop of Ambrosius I Francken.
Our large composition depicts the episode recounted in the Gospel according to Matthew, in which kings from distant lands pay homage to the newborn Messiah. They are accompanied by their entourages : soldiers, emissaries, servants, and animals (horses, camels, and even an elephant!) forming a colorful and lively procession that brings the work to life. Melchior, depicted as a white-haired old man, kneels and offers gold in recognition of the Child’s kingship. Caspar, wearing a wide-brimmed hat beneath his crown, brings frankincense, a symbol of Jesus’ divinity. Finally, Balthazar, clad in a luxurious white cloak, offers myrrh, evoking the Child’s future sacrifice.
In a style distinctly Antwerpian, our painter employs a palette of warm colors dominated by reddish browns and ochres, lending the work a fiery atmosphere and a dreamlike quality. The influence of Frans Floris, Ambrosius I Francken’s master, is evident here.
“The Adoration of the Magi” is one of the mostpopular themes in Christian iconography, and the greatest artists—Giotto, Fra Angelico, Memling, Botticelli, da Vinci, and Dürer, have produced masterful versions.
Our large painting is presented in a casseta frame made of blackened wood.
Dimensions: 73 x 104 cm (panel) – 93 x 124 cm with theframe
Biography :Ambrosius I Francken, or Ambrosius Francken the Elder (Herenthals 1544 – Antwerp 1618) was one of the four sons of Nicolaes Francken, founder of the Francken dynasty (see family tree). Like him, his brothers Hieronymous I Francken and Frans I Francken, he pursued a career as a painter. Ambrosius was a student of Frans Floris, whose influence is evident in his works. He worked first in Tournai and then in Fontainebleau around 1570. In 1573, upon his return to Antwerp, he was admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke, becoming its vice-deanin 1581. Like every member of the Francken dynasty, Ambrosius was a master colorist, which ensured the success of his paintings. Many of his works are preserved in Antwerp (St. James’s Church, Antwerp Museum, etc.).
Bibliography:
- HARTING,Ursula, "Frans Francken the Younger (1581–1642): The Paintings with a Critical Catalog of Works", Freren, Luca, 1989
- PEETERS,Natasja, “Den quaden tyt? The Artistic Career of the Young Ambrosius Francken Before the Fall of Antwerp,” in Oud Holland, 2008
- VEZILIER DUSSART, Sandrine, "The Francken Dynasty", a collective work for the exhibition at the Museum of Flanders from Sept. 4, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022. In Fine2021
Our large composition depicts the episode recounted in the Gospel according to Matthew, in which kings from distant lands pay homage to the newborn Messiah. They are accompanied by their entourages : soldiers, emissaries, servants, and animals (horses, camels, and even an elephant!) forming a colorful and lively procession that brings the work to life. Melchior, depicted as a white-haired old man, kneels and offers gold in recognition of the Child’s kingship. Caspar, wearing a wide-brimmed hat beneath his crown, brings frankincense, a symbol of Jesus’ divinity. Finally, Balthazar, clad in a luxurious white cloak, offers myrrh, evoking the Child’s future sacrifice.
In a style distinctly Antwerpian, our painter employs a palette of warm colors dominated by reddish browns and ochres, lending the work a fiery atmosphere and a dreamlike quality. The influence of Frans Floris, Ambrosius I Francken’s master, is evident here.
“The Adoration of the Magi” is one of the mostpopular themes in Christian iconography, and the greatest artists—Giotto, Fra Angelico, Memling, Botticelli, da Vinci, and Dürer, have produced masterful versions.
Our large painting is presented in a casseta frame made of blackened wood.
Dimensions: 73 x 104 cm (panel) – 93 x 124 cm with theframe
Biography :Ambrosius I Francken, or Ambrosius Francken the Elder (Herenthals 1544 – Antwerp 1618) was one of the four sons of Nicolaes Francken, founder of the Francken dynasty (see family tree). Like him, his brothers Hieronymous I Francken and Frans I Francken, he pursued a career as a painter. Ambrosius was a student of Frans Floris, whose influence is evident in his works. He worked first in Tournai and then in Fontainebleau around 1570. In 1573, upon his return to Antwerp, he was admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke, becoming its vice-deanin 1581. Like every member of the Francken dynasty, Ambrosius was a master colorist, which ensured the success of his paintings. Many of his works are preserved in Antwerp (St. James’s Church, Antwerp Museum, etc.).
Bibliography:
- HARTING,Ursula, "Frans Francken the Younger (1581–1642): The Paintings with a Critical Catalog of Works", Freren, Luca, 1989
- PEETERS,Natasja, “Den quaden tyt? The Artistic Career of the Young Ambrosius Francken Before the Fall of Antwerp,” in Oud Holland, 2008
- VEZILIER DUSSART, Sandrine, "The Francken Dynasty", a collective work for the exhibition at the Museum of Flanders from Sept. 4, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022. In Fine2021
14 000 €
Period: 16th century
Style: Renaissance, Louis 13th
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting on wood
Width: 124
Height: 93
Reference (ID): 1826897
Availability: In stock
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