Lot 523: ATTRIBUTED TO JACOB HOEFNAGEL

ATTRIBUTED TO JACOB HOEFNAGEL ANTWERP 1575 - CIRCA 1630 THE EXPULSION OF ADAM AND EVE 125 by 95 mm; 5 by 3 3/4 in

Although unsigned, this delightful gouache is very close in style and technique to the work of Jacob Hoefnagel, a painter of exquisite miniatures at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II. Jacob had inherited his position from his father, Georg (or Joris) Hoefnagel, also a prolific draughtsman and miniaturist. He was named Kammermaler of the court in Prague in 1602, two years after his father's death and worked alongside artists such as Hans Hoffmann and Daniel Froschl. His duties included the illustration and identification of natural objects in Rudolf's extensive Kunstkammer, but he also excelled in the virtuoso art of miniature painting, with gold highlights, such as those seen here, adding to the jewel-like quality of his works.

Two allegorical scenes by Jacob, depicting Summer and Winter, were sold in Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 4 November 2003, lot 11 and 26 November 1984, lot 49.