Christ driven from the Temple in Jerusalem, Maarten de Vos workshop

Maarten de Vos (Antwerp, 1532 - 1603) workshop Christ driven from the Temple in Jerusalem (Or the Stoning of Christ) Oil on canvas 109 x 86 cm. - Framed 121 x 97 cm. FULL DETAILS OF THIS PAINTING (CLICK HERE) Anyone passionate about ancient works of art, especially religious painting, cannot help but be enchanted by this precious painting with an undoubtedly unusual subject, depicting a rare biblical episode narrated in the Gospel of John (Jn 10:22-39) centered on the very harsh theological clash between Jesus, after openly proclaiming his divine nature, and a group of Jews. Going into the details of the episode, the scene takes place during the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah), when Jesus, at Solomon's Porch in the Temple of Jerusalem, is approached by some Jews to whom he proclaims: "I and the Father are one," perhaps the most powerful and significant passage in the entire New Testament. These words of Jesus are considered blasphemous by the Jews present who, deeply angered, gather stones and attempt to stone him inside the Temple, forcing him to move away to save himself. Christ's statement therefore causes such scandal as to provoke violent reactions, prefiguring what will be his final condemnation; we see him as he resolutely moves towards the exit, turns back with a serene but firm, almost regal expression, thereby manifesting his divine nature. The detail at the bottom left is beautiful, where a female figure is found, with arms raised, her gaze turned upwards in an expression of supplication, with long, wavy hair. She could be Mary Magdalene who, although not mentioned in the episode, will play a key role in the moments immediately preceding and following Jesus' death, emerging as the most faithful and courageous disciple. The work, in particular, is derived from the engraving by Jan Sadeler (Brussels, 1550 - Venice, 1600 of 1582), itself created based on an invention by the Flemish painter Marten de Vos (imm.1, https://patrimonioculturale.regione.fvg.it/stampa/?s_id=537940). In the lower part of the print is the caption in Latin from the Gospel of John: "Judaei, CHRISTVM, ob annuntiatam ipsis veritatem, in templo lapidare conantur, ipse autem de medio eorum exivit. IOAN. X." (The Jews, for the truth announced by him, try to stone Christ in the temple, but he went out from their midst). Our painting, according to the typical dictates of the Dutch Mannerist style, is characterized by muscular figures in dynamic poses and complex foreshortening, characterized by a crowded composition, strong dynamism, and a dramatic use of chiaroscuro. The style of the work exhibits close affinities with the compositions of Maarten de Vos (Antwerp, 1532 - 1603), who skillfully blended the traditional Flemish taste with the characteristics of the Italian Renaissance, inherited from his apprenticeship in Frans Floris' workshop and his trip to Italy. The remarkable quality of the work, characterized by a soft pictorial rendering and an intense chromatic tone, suggests that it may well have originated within the master's workshop, or under his direction, and not excluding his own intervention, given the technical mastery in the brushwork and use of light. Alternatively, it is possible to hypothesize that the work was created by a skilled painter belonging to the large group of pupils and followers active in Antwerp in the late 16th century and strongly influenced by de Vos, in which case it would be inspired by the etching by Jan Sadeler I (Brussels, 1550 - Venice, 1600). Christ driven from the Temple in Jerusalem Sadeler Jan I (1550/1600) - engraver Vos Maerten de (1532/1603) - inventor 1582 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting comes complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by 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. Should you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to respond. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/