Triptych with the Adoration of the Shepherds

16th-17th century

Oil on panel

Closed with arched finial: 66 x 49 cm.

Open: 67 x 99 cm.

On the verso various manuscripts, referring to previous ownership (Famille Desimpel) and an old report by art historian Willy Burger from Munich from 1931 (see photo details).

The proposed triptych, a work of excellent pictorial quality, depicts in the central panel, the Adoration of the Shepherds, and can be attributed to a painter from the workshop of the Flemish Pieter Pourbus (Gouda 1523 - Bruges 1584); it is therefore datable, given the character of the painting, to around 1570.

The two side panels, each bearing the date '1621' at the bottom, on the other hand, were executed and added at a later time than the central painting, presumably in connection with the construction of the tripartite structure, and on the occasion of the donation of the same work.

The two female figures portrayed are the work of a Flemish author who was also active between the 16th and 17th century but whose identity is unknown.

They are said to be portraits of the donors, kneeling in nuns' habits in front of a prayer bench with an open prayer book, their hands clasped. On either side of the two nuns, a white square represents the symbol of the five wounds of Christ, the symbol of the order, under the date '1621'.

In the background are a mountainous landscape and a built-up area under a grey-blue sky.

Dwelling on the central panel, we are faced with a remarkable depiction of the moment when the shepherds reach the hut of the Nativity: the Virgin and St. Joseph, next to kneeling winged angels, are portrayed proudly showing the child to the group of shepherds who have arrived to adore him.

Again, the attention paid to the background landscape is very special, with an old ruin with a square tower in the centre.

Above, a group of playful angels participate in the event and hold up the scroll announcing the birth of the Saviour.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

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