Hendrick van Balen (Anversa 1575 – 1632) bottega

Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp 1575 – 1632) workshop Possible Jan van Balen (Antwerp 1611 – 1654) Madonna and Child with three angels oil on panel (65 x 50 cm - framed 94 x 80 cm) Full details of this work can be found directly at the following - LINK - The pleasing sacred image immortalized in this work is based on the canonical compositional layout with the Madonna holding the newborn Jesus Child in swaddling clothes, seen in a playful moment as the mother tickles the little one's lip to make him laugh; beside them are three chubby little angels who, like curious children, enjoy watching the scene. Focused on the refinement of the poses and the liveliness of the chromatic material, the sacredness of the image is softened by the spontaneous gestures of the protagonists, which lead one to think of a scene of daily life rather than a religious image. The bright colors also emphasize the joyful event, although the golden background and the luminous halo propagated by the Virgin recall the divine dimension of the characters. The stylistic elements of the painting fit within the Romanist current that developed in Antwerp on the eve of Rubens' return from Italy, and connoted as a sort of Nordic variant of mature Italian Mannerism. The author of the work, datable to the early seventeenth century although the pictorial styles are still indebted to chronologically earlier models, should be sought in the large group of pupils of the Flemish master Hendrick van Balen; in particular, in our opinion, it would be attributable to the hand of his son and pupil Jan van Balen (Antwerp 1611 – 1654), showing a perfect example of his painting, in whose production the typical characteristics of the Italianizing Flemish current inherited in turn from his father can be identified. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is completed by a pleasant wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes about 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until it is obtained. All costs of this operation are included. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/