Holy Family with Saints - Studio of Frans Francken II (1581-1642)

The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth, Saint Catherine, Saint Mary Magdalene and the Saint John the Baptist
Studio of Frans Francken II (1581-1642)
17th century Antwerp School
Oil on copper
Dimensions: h. 41 cm, w. 31 cm
Ebonized wood frame with large mouldings, with inverted profile
Framed dimensions: h. 71 cm, w. 61 cm

In a palatial interior open to the outside with grandiose architecture as evidenced by the imposing marble column, the seated Virgin holding Jesus in her lap is surrounded by saints who have come to adore the child.
Saint Elizabeth presents Saint John the Baptist to Jesus, the latter bows and raises his right hand in blessing. The future preacher dressed according to custom in camel skin and tunic joins his hands in prayer while Jesus caresses his arm with his left hand. This meeting of future martyrs is touching and we see the face of Saint Elizabeth twisting in pain for the tragic fate of his child.
Saint Joseph stands behind the group, while Mary Magdalene and Saint Catherine stand in the background waiting to be able to adore Jesus in turn.
Saint Catherine, recognizable by the instrument of her torture, a wheel adorned with sharp points and the large sword, nestles against Mary Magdalene who holds a pot of ointment in her right hand. The young women richly dressed and coiffed seem jovial and Mary Magdalene is the only one of all the saints to look directly at the viewer.
To the right of the composition two kneeling angels, hands joined in prayer contemplate the scene.
A mischievous cherub also looks at the viewer.
Finally above the characters the dove of the Holy Spirit emerges from the clouds glorifying the reunion of the saints. The divine rays highlight the faces of the protagonists.
The foreground is left empty with the exception of an antique vase and flowers thrown on the ground. The wild roses symbolize the Virgin.
The vertical format accentuates the tight framing of the composition and brings the figures, all dressed in brightly coloured and varied fabrics, closer together.
This idealised gathering with its joyful atmosphere has no source in the Gospels, even if the artists' inspiration comes from the episode of the Rest on the Flight into Egypt.
Our very delicate work with its precise features and meticulous treatment combined with a rich and varied palette of colours presents all the characteristics of the work of Frans Francken the Younger.