16th Century Tuscany Carved and Gilded Wood Box

Pair of small carved walnut doors, 16th century, central Italy This pair of small doors was made in the sixteenth century, in central Italy, in carved walnut. The decoration provides...

16th Century, Pair of Italian Lacquered and Gilt Wood Sculptures Torch Holders The pair of sculptures, in finely carved wood, lacquered and gilded, was born as a torch holder, and ...

17th Century, Tuscany Solid Walnut Carved Wardrobe This charming solid walnut wardrobe was crafted in Tuscany in the 17th century. The structure features two large front doors adorne...

Frans Franken III and aid, Adoration of the Magi Good condition The oil painting on wood, with a gold background, depicts an Adoration of the Magi. The Magi are dressed in sumptuous silk and brocade dresses; they wear precious hats and jewelery. The richness of their garments is in contrast with the humility of the Holy Family and of the other characters who, around curious, observe the scene. The hut is simple, made of wood and straw: above it shines the Comet, symbol of the divine event. In the distance, a group of wayfarers walk along a path that is lost on the horizon, blending into the gold of the bottom. The representation proposes a traditional iconography, in which the painter inserts some details that he lends himself to symbolic interpretations. Among these is the appearance of the Magi, who from the XIVth century differs iconographically: the wise astronomers represent the homage to Jesus of the then known parts of the world, namely Africa, Asia and Europe. To the right of the Magi, in the foreground, sits a monkey, considered a demonic creature and a symbol of lies and sin. It is depicted on the sidelines, as a defeat, next to a fragment of a classical column: ruin alludes to the end of paganism, of the old world that collapses with the advent of the new one, marked by the birth of Christ and liberation from the Original Sin. On the ruins he climbs the ivy, symbol of the immortality of the soul. The work is attributable to the workshop of the Flemish painter Frans Francken III...