Lot Essay
The reverse bearing a Russian seal; the depiction of the bird and the canon on the upper sections might suggest a relation to the Princes of Smolensk.
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VENETO-CRETAN, 16TH CENTURY
Details
THE ADORATION OF THE MAGI
VENETO-CRETAN, 16TH CENTURY
In the centre of the composition the newborn Christ, nude, with a radiating halo, laying in a manger, his Mother kneeling over him, her hands extended in prayer, Joseph behind her, gazing at Christ and resting on his staff, their haloes defined by golden rims, a shepherd with pipes kneeling on the left, his head bowed in adoration of the Child, another behind him raising his face and hat to Heaven, the ox and ass behind Christ, the scene taking place in a barn, painted naturalistically mostly with browns, maroons and complimentary greens, set in a carved gilt wood frame, shaped like an arch, with floral decoration in relief, flanked by two stylised columns
24.2 x 29.5 cm (61½ x 75 cm) including the frame
VENETO-CRETAN, 16TH CENTURY
In the centre of the composition the newborn Christ, nude, with a radiating halo, laying in a manger, his Mother kneeling over him, her hands extended in prayer, Joseph behind her, gazing at Christ and resting on his staff, their haloes defined by golden rims, a shepherd with pipes kneeling on the left, his head bowed in adoration of the Child, another behind him raising his face and hat to Heaven, the ox and ass behind Christ, the scene taking place in a barn, painted naturalistically mostly with browns, maroons and complimentary greens, set in a carved gilt wood frame, shaped like an arch, with floral decoration in relief, flanked by two stylised columns
24.2 x 29.5 cm (61½ x 75 cm) including the frame
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Sale room notice
The correct title of the represented subject is 'The Adoration of the Shepherds' and not 'The Adoration of the Magi' as stated in the catalogue.