The Tribute Of The Coin - Flemish Master From The Circle Of P.p. Rubens (1577–1640)

"The Tribute of the Coin"
Flemish Master
Circle of P.P. Rubens (1577–1640)
Oil on canvas
Date: 1620/1640
Dimensions: canvas 201 x 136, frame 224 x 158

An important museum-quality painting on canvas, extraordinary for its dramatic impact and
excellent artistic quality.
The viewer is struck by the sequence of figures that bring the scene to life with theatrical expressions of incredible realism. The faces of the main characters dramatically express their inner feelings—displeased and inquisitive—toward Christ, who, at the center of the painting, meets their gazes with a reassuring and serene demeanor. The work depicts the episode from the Gospel according to Matthew, “The Tribute of the Coin,” and, although with some variations, is a remarkable contemporary copy of the famous painting by Peter Paul Rubens created in 1612, on display at the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco. The famous phrase from the well-known dispute between Jesus and the Pharisees in the Temple—“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”—which later became a model of fairness, is written in Latin in the lower right corner. The success of this masterpiece by the great Master of Antwerp was such that it kept his workshop and the circle of Flemish artists in his entourage busy reproducing the subject to meet the demands of important ecclesiastical and private patrons. In this case, the work’s dimensions and its first-rate painterly qualities demanded considerable effort from the artist, and it is evident that its original location was in a setting of great prestige. The effect on the wall is truly stirring and evokes a sense of awe, such is the power of the composition as a whole and the expressive intensity of the figures. In fact, each figure captures the viewer’s attention and invites careful analysis to grasp the emotional state of the characters depicted by a painter of the highest caliber, who does not limit himself to repetitive copying but ventures into a personal interpretation with a precise and highly effective style.

The canvas is in very good condition
The paint layer is sound and free of flaking
There are some minor retouches limited to the dark background.
The work is in good condition
The impressive lacquered and gilded box frame is antique but not contemporary.

PRICE NEGOTIABLE

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We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the work’s period, provenance, and all its characteristics, drawn up by an antique dealer affiliated with FIMA (Italian Federation of Art Dealers).