Offered by Le jardin des Moines
In addition to its age, here is a rare interpretation of the Nativity which gives all its value to this work. The Child traditionally presented in a simple layer of straws in the middle of a stable, enjoys here, wrapped in rich sheets of a royal cradle in what we guess is a palace. Our representation is quite far from the image provided by the usual iconography. Four adoring angels watch over Him, as does the Holy Spirit who sheds His sweet Light on this touching scene, with shimmering colors.
This oil on copper probably comes from the workshop of Frans Franken. Note small gaps as well as a slight fold at the upper right corner.
Dimensions of the copper plate of 25 cm by 20
Dimensions with the wooden frame of 30 cm by 25