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Original 17th-Century Italianate Landscape (Dutch School) – Flight into Egypt
€495,00
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Step into the golden age of European painting. This museum-quality antique painting is an original piece from the Dutch School (17th century). Hand-painted with oil on a sturdy, hand-planed wooden panel, this cabinet piece exudes the unparalleled atmosphere and mystique of the Old Masters.
The scene depicts a profound and serene portrayal of The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23). We see the intimate moment when Joseph and Mary, with the newborn baby Jesus, flee in haste after being warned by an angel of the impending slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem. Clad in a striking red robe that glows beautifully against the deep, tonal shadows of the landscape, Mary tenderly holds the child. Flanked by kneeling angels in adoration, the Holy Family makes its way through a monumental, Italianate landscape with classical ruins. This is no reproduction, but an authentic, 400-year-old tangible piece of history.
This work is a beautiful example of an Italianate landscape. In the 17th century, many Dutch masters traveled to Italy and were fascinated by the southern light and the hilly countryside. This painting masterfully combines that Mediterranean atmosphere, recognizable by the classical ruin on the right and the rolling rocky terrain, with an intimate biblical scene. This type of landscape does not occur in the Netherlands in this manner.
Verified Masterpiece & UV Inspection
This unique artwork has been subjected to a thorough inspection. Photographs under UV light (blacklight) show a beautiful, uniform, and deep craquelure pattern that proves its respectable age from the 17th century. The back reveals the authentic, raw layering of the hand-planed oak or pine panel. The painting is housed in a gold-colored Baroque-style frame, richly decorated with floral ornaments and acanthus leaves in the corners. This monumental framing perfectly complements the work and enhances its museum-like appearance. The frame shows clear signs of use.
When you look closely at the painting, the subtle, horizontal lines running from left to right across the entire surface stand out. For an art connoisseur or appraiser, this is good news: this is the natural wood grain of the 400-year-old oak panel that has 'settled' over the centuries.
Historical & Biblical Context
Within the 17th-century Dutch School, painting biblical history scenes interwoven with a dramatic landscape was considered the highest achievement. Artists knew better than anyone how to translate a spiritual story into a recognizable, atmospheric natural setting. This painting is a beautiful example of that tradition.
The depiction portrays one of the most poignant narratives from the Gospel of Matthew, in which the cruel King Herod the Great, out of pure paranoia about losing his throne, orders the brutal slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem. However, before disaster strikes, God sends an angel who appears to Joseph in a dream with the urgent warning to flee in haste with Mary and the newborn baby Jesus under the cover of night. Thanks to this divine intervention, baby Jesus miraculously escapes the slaughter, after which the Holy Family stays in safe exile in Egypt until the tyrant dies. When the danger has passed, the family returns permanently to settle in the quiet town of Nazareth, where Jesus can grow up in complete safety.
Applications & Interior Styling
Thanks to its refined cabinet size, this masterpiece lends itself to the most exclusive places in the home:
- Exclusive piece: An absolute eye-catcher in a cabinet or on a well-lit sideboard, in a director's office/study.
- Modern Renaissance: In a sleek, contemporary interior with minimalist furniture, this 17th-century work creates a spectacular, high-end contrast that immediately demonstrates art-historical taste.
- Luxury Art Collection: A valuable and stable addition to a private collection of Old Masters or agallery wall.
Product Specifications
- Attribution: Dutch School, 17th century (Golden Age)
- Type of artwork: Original oil painting on panel
- Theme / Subject: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23)
- Support: Authentic wooden panel (hand-planed, 17th-century manufacture)
- Frame: Heavy, gold-colored Baroque frame with detailed ornamentation
- Condition: In beautiful, authentic condition with a magnificent natural craquelure consistent with its age. Inspected under UV light. The painting may benefit from a cleaning, and the frame shows signs of use.
- Overall dimensions (including frame): 33 cm (width) x 29.5 cm (height)
- Hanging system: Already fitted with a sturdy iron wire hanging system on the inside of the frame.
Care Instructions for a Masterpiece
A painting from the Golden Age deserves the right care to withstand the coming centuries:
- Climate: Do not hang the panel near a fireplace, active radiator, or air conditioner. Wood reacts to strong fluctuations in humidity.
- Cleaning: Never use moisture or cleaning agents. The paint layer should only be extremely carefully dusted dry with an extremely soft plush brush (makeup brush) or a feather duster.