The Annunciation, workshop of Pieter de Witte (Bruges 1548 - Munich 1628)

Pieter de Witte, also known as Peter Candid (Bruges, 1548 – Munich, 1628) - Workshop/School The Annunciation Oil on canvas (cm): 79 x 110 - framed 92 x 127 Full details of this artwork are available directly from the following - LINK - We are pleased to present a fascinating work, dating back to the early 17th century, which is inspired by the prototype of the Annunciation conceived around 1586-1595 by Pieter de Witte, also known as Peter Candid (Bruges, 1540/1548 – Munich, 1628), now lost but made famous thanks to an engraving made and published by Jan Sadeler I (1550-1600). Flemish painter with strong affinities to 16th-century Italianate culture, De Witte tackled the theme of the Annunciation numerous times, revealing his knowledge of both Roman and Florentine Mannerism, inherited from his Italian sojourn. Some of these works are now housed in various international museums, in addition to the autograph or workshop works that can be found in numerous public or private collections; in this regard we can mention the following: - National Museum of Prague [1] https://sbirky.ngprague.cz/en/dielo/CZE:NG.DO_5348 - Accademia Carrara of Bergamo, Announcing Angel and Annunciate Virgin [2] https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/opere-arte/schede/C0050-00187/ https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/opere-arte/schede/C0050-00188/
 - Finnish National Museum, Helsinki https://www.kansallisgalleria.fi/fi/object/623740
 - Private property, religious institution Bergamo (Bergamo area) 
https://dati.beniculturali.it/lodview-arco/resource/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0300206377.html [1] Pieter de Witte (workshop), Annunciation, National Museum of Prague [2] Pieter de Witte, Annunciate Virgin / Announcing Angel, Bergamo, Accademia Carrara, 1600 - 1610 Observing its composition, we can admire the rather consolidated iconographic scheme, with the two figures immersed in an almost dreamlike atmosphere: the Archangel Gabriel on the left, of ethereal beauty, appears imperious as he delivers the supreme announcement to the Virgin Mary, who receives it with lowered eyes, composed in her astonishment; surprised in the act of reading a book, receiving the white lilies, symbol of purity and chastity, while above appears the dove, emblem of the Holy Spirit, enveloped in a glow of light. Inspired, as mentioned above, by the prototype of the Flemish painter, the painting is here taken up rather faithfully and can therefore be compared to the numerous replicas and derivations of the painting - some of which are no longer traceable today - ascribed to the workshop of De Witte; in particular, in our opinion its execution can be traced back to one of the many pupils who gravitated around his work and, given the stylistic characteristics, almost certainly active in Italy. In our case, in fact, while observing a precious execution with brilliant tones, the Nordic ductus typical of the artist is softened here by Italian Mannerist influences, with echoes that recall the Tuscan painting of the early 17th century. Pieter de Witte in fact lived for a period of his life in Italy, stably documented in Florence, so much so that his name was Italianized to Pietro il Candido, precisely to evoke his long artistic experience in the Bel Paese. The state of preservation of the work appears excellent, with some old restoration, the paint layer does not present any type of problem. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle 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. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/