Pieter van Lint (Antwerp, 1609 – 1690) workshop
Adoration of the Shepherds
Oil on panel (stabilized on the back with two wooden battens)
83 x 55 cm. - In frame (20th century) 93 x 66 cm.
Provenance: Old label from Galleria Salvetti (Milan) on the back
COMPLETE DETAILS OF THE WORK (CLICK HERE)
The proposed painting depicts one of the most emotional moments of the Nativity, namely the adoration of the shepherds who, warned by an angel, go to the stable in Bethlehem to adore the newborn, aware of an event that surpasses them and honoring Him with their humble gifts.
The work, of excellent pictorial quality, is attributed to a painter from the workshop of the Flemish master Pieter van Lint (Antwerp, 1609 – 1690).
Van Lint treated this specific theme several times; the most important versions are found in Spain, at the time exported through Antwerp art dealers, and are now in many museum collections, such as the Adoration in the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen (https://open.smk.dk/artwork/image/KMSsp255), that in the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville, or that in the Church of San Ginés in Madrid.
None of these works are repetitions, and each is distinguished by a personalization of the scene, although they share common stylistic characteristics, capable of blending the Flemish Baroque absorbed during Van Lint's training in Antwerp (clearly influenced by Peter Paul Rubens) with elements of Italian classicism, learned during his long stay in Rome between 1633 and 1640, showing clear Correggio-esque reminiscences.
In 1640, after a brief stop in Paris where he likely met Nicolas Poussin, he returned to his hometown, becoming one of the main exponents of Flemish classicist baroque.
In our case, the moment when the shepherds reach the Nativity stable is represented: the Virgin is depicted proudly showing her child to the group of adoring shepherds, while Saint Joseph is in the background, emphasizing his role as protector and guardian of the Holy Family, rather than a direct protagonist of the divine event.
The theatricality of the scene is enhanced by the vivid, intense, and brilliant colors, as well as by the force of the light that pierces the night-time setting.
Amplifying this aspect is the profusion of angels overhead, some accompanying the shepherds, introducing them to the presence of the Messiah and protecting them, others in the upper part playfully supporting the scroll with the announcement of the Savior's birth.
This choice is also a clear inspiration from the works of Rubens, whose paintings are famous for the abundance of celestial figures, putti, and angels that animate biblical or allegorical scenes with a sense of swirling movement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work comes with a pleasant golden 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.
It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be pleased to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
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