Adoration of the Magi, attributed to Frans Francken II (1581-1642)

Adoration of the Magi
Attributed to Frans Francken II (1581-1642),
17th century Antwerp School, circa 1620
Oil on copper, dimensions: h. 44.5 cm, w. 32 cm.
Ebonized wood frame.
Dimensions: framed: h. 63 cm, w. 51 cm

This work is sold with a certificate of expertise guaranteeing its origin, date of execution and attribution to the artist.

This refined work, characteristic of early 17th-century Antwerp production, brilliantly illustrates the theme of the Adoration of the Magi in a composition that is both intimate and theatrical. Executed on copper, a support prized for its smooth surface allowing for meticulous execution, the painting is distinguished by the extreme delicacy of the brushstrokes and a remarkably rich palette.
The colors, of luminous and saturated intensity—deep reds, emerald greens, shimmering yellows—lend the scene an almost jewel-like preciousness, especially since the halos are painted with gold highlights. Every detail, from the sumptuous embroidery to the metallic sheen of the gifts, is rendered with a miniaturist precision typical of Frans Francken.
The composition is organized around a strong devotional axis: the Virgin, seated majestically, sits slightly elevated, holding the Child in a pose imbued with tenderness and solemnity. Facing her, the three Magi kneel in reverence, forming a converging movement toward the sacred group. This arrangement accentuates the Marian dimension of the scene, highlighting the Virgin as the focal point of devotion.
This composition is unique in Frans Francken's work. It also reflects the importance of Marian devotion in Antwerp, where devotion to the Virgin held a central place, particularly in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp, which is dedicated to her.
King Caspar, dressed in ermine and kneeling in the foreground, is a recurring figure in the artist's repertoire, appearing in several similar compositions. His humble demeanor and rich attire embody the encounter between earthly power and the recognition of the divine.
The background, treated with a more diffuse atmosphere, opens the scene onto a snowy landscape and sketched architecture, enhancing the sense of depth while maintaining the primacy of the figures in the foreground.
Through its chromatic brilliance, precision of execution and iconographic construction, this work fully illustrates the refinement and spirituality of early 17th-century Antwerp painting.

There is an autograph version of our painting with identical dimensions, but painted on panel.
Related work:
Frans Francken II, circa 1618, oil on panel, 44.5 x 32.2 cm, Koller auction, April 1, 2011, Zurich, Switzerland