Frans FRANCKEN II dit le Jeune (1581 - 1642) - Arms of France

LFrans FRANCKEN II
(Antwerp, 1581 - 1642)

Putti bearing the arms of France
About 1620

Oil on canvas
19 x 39 cm

Provenance : Coll. Part. Paris
Bibliography: Unpublished
Comparative bibliography : Ursula Härting, Frans Francken der Jüngere, Die Gemälde Mit kritischem Oeuvrekatalog, Luca Verlag Freren 1989

Although this charming panel depicts the arms of France, it is in Flanders that we must look for the author. Indeed, the style of the fleur-de-lys, the type of crown without fleur-de-lys and surmounted by a globe, and the great fantasy displayed in this normally extremely codified genre, invite us to see a foreign artist, unfamiliar with French heraldry. Frans Francken II, is a Flemish painter of the early 17th century, specialized in small format panels with an extremely refined and meticulous style. These qualities are evident in this work painted on oak panel. The coat of arms of France, which is very rare in this painter's corpus, is perhaps related to a royal commission or a royal gift. Moreover, as Francken created decorations for cabinet doors and drawers, it may also be an element from one of these precious pieces of furniture.
We thank Dr. Ursula Härtig for confirming the attribution to Frans Francken II on HD photo, by letter of November 1, 2022.