Frans FRANCKEN II (Antwerp 1581-1642) "Nativity... Lot 743

Frans FRANCKEN II (Antwerp 1581-1642) "Nativity with the Adoration of the shepherds" Marble PLAQUE in a carved and gilded oak frame of the Louis XVI period, signed lower right "De (?) ffranck (...)/et fecit A. (...)" (old restorations, restored cracks) - Dim. 47.5 x 37.5 cm. Expertise of the Turquin cabinet, Paris. Although he painted several "Adoration of the Magi", Frans Francken II rarely painted the subject of the Adoration of the Child by the shepherds. Let us mention two of them, of very different compositions from our painting and tighter, in private collections. Ours is particularly airy and original with St. Joseph holding the lantern with which he guided the shepherds to the manger. In the background is the Annunciation to the shepherds. Francken II, who in the course of his career favoured the most diverse media, rarely painted on stone. The "Deposition from the Cross" in the Suermont-Ludwig Museum in Aachen and the "Adoration of the Magi" (sale in Louviers, 24 September 2017), also painted on light marble or alabaster, are worth mentioning.