Exceptional Adoration on panel, attributable to Frans Francken II (Antwerp, 1581-1642)

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GRAND MARCH AUCTION OF OLD MASTERS AND COLONI...

By Templum Fine Art Auctions

Mar 25, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-03-25 10:00:00 2026-03-25 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : GRAND MARCH AUCTION OF OLD MASTERS AND COLONIAL ART https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/templum-fine-art-auctions/grand-march-auction-of-old-masters-and-colonial-art-22766
AUCTION · 25 MARCH · 3:00 PM EXHIBITION OPEN FROM 13 MARCH Templum Fine Art Auctions info@templumauctions.com

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• Lot Description
  Oil on panel. Dimensions 68 x 58 cm; framed 78 x 60 cm. Provenance: owned by a major collector. An exquisite scene of the Adoration of the Magi, depicted with a multitude of figures around the stable, where the Virgin holds the Child while the Magi and their retinues gather in a lively and ceremonial composition. The episode unfolds with great narrative richness: pages, soldiers, horses, children, and courtiers are distributed across different planes, creating a vibrant scene that combines the sacred realm of the foreground with the courtly splendor of the retinue extending into the background landscape. The architecture of the stable and the columns frame a complex spatial organization, while the guiding star above underscores the providential nature of the episode. The work displays a clear and varied palette, with a predominance of reds, greens, ochres, and softened blues, and meticulous attention to clothing, turbans, armor, and accessories—characteristics of the Flemish narrative tradition. Due to its large-scale composition, its penchant for anecdotal detail, and its decorative refinement, the painting can reasonably be placed within the circle of Louis de Caullery, within the Flemish art scene of the 16th century. The son of Frans Francken I and nephew of Hieronymus Francken, he joined the Guild of Saint Luke in his native city in 1605, beginning a career that lasted until 1640, specializing as a painter of cabinet paintings. His contribution to the genre of gallery paintings is particularly significant, influencing artists such as Teniers. His work draws on that of Jan Brueghel the Elder, although it also shows clear influences from his Francken ancestors. The debts of his early works to Mannerism and 16th-century painting are evident both in the structure of the compositions and in the rhythm and expression of his figures. Furthermore, these include clear allusions to the work of Italian artists such as Raphael, Veronese, and Zuccaro. Similarly, the ...
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