Auction 112 Antiques & Works of Art, Silver & Jewellery

42

The Conversion of the Gentiles

Frans Francken II, attrib. (1581-1642)


Estimate

10.000 - 15.000


Session 1

13 December 2021



Description

Oil on copper

39x56 cm


Category

Paintings


THE CONVERSION OF THE GENTILES

This painting depicts the episode in which John The Baptist is questioned by his disciples, which had just realized that, like Him, Jesus was also baptizing people in the River Jordan. Centrally placed in the composition, John the Baptist talks to a group of disciples gathered in a semicircle around him. They are mostly humble men and women, old and young, but there are also some nobles, elegantly attired in hats and turbans, knights and soldiers. The characters are typical of Frans Francken’s II production, with rounded eyes with a black dot detail and some stereotyped figures common in his compositions. Such is the case of the female figure with back turned to the viewer and wearing a large hat, and the figure in a yellow dress whose face is often repeated in Francken’s repertoire. A close oil on board version of this painting can be seen at the Prado Museum.



Closed Auction