Frans FRANCKEN II (1581-1642) Lot n° 7

THE CELLS Copper 46 x 36 cm The composition is associated with Frans Francken II, the most famous member of a great family of painters. He studied in the studio of his father Frans the Elder (1542-1616) and his uncle Ambrosius I (d. 1544-1618), together with his brothers Hieronymus II (1578-1623) and Ambrosius II (d. 1590-1632). The workshop of Frans Francken was one of the most productive in Antwerp, thanks to the collaboration with his brother Ambrosius II and his two sons, Frans III and Hieronymus III, whom he had trained. More than 500 paintings on copper and wood can be attributed to Frans Francken II and his workshop. These works are generally small (cabinet paintings) and were so popular that they were not only used in the such a success during the painter's lifetime that he often repeated them, sometimes varying the size and medium. As on our "Last Supper", one often finds in the work of Frans Francken II these trompe-l'oeil in grisaille, decorated with figures which encircle the principal composition, giving a certain relief to the painting.