Lot 746: Caritas.

Oil on wood. 156 x 123,5cm. Framed.

The work at hand depicts an allegory on the triumph above the earthly sexual love (inacted left)by the theological vitures faith(fides), hope (spes) and charity (caritas).

Jan Massys (also Matsys or Metsys), son of the painter Quentin Massys, was an important flemish painter of mannerism. Banished from his home country by the inquisition, he arrived in Genua at the court of the admiral of Andrea Doria, emporer and ruler of Genua, in 1550. Here he became royal painter for the period of 6 years before returning to his home country. He was one of the first to introduce the mannerism of primaticcio to Flanders. Our depiction fascinates with its unusual quietness and rigidity which reminds of marble. Reminiscent of the splendid nudes by Massys is the naked figure standing left.

Provenance:

Rhenish Private collection