Circle of Frans Francken II

Circle of FRANS FRANCKEN II (Antwerp, Belgium, 1581 - 1642).
"The flagellation of Christ".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 52 x 76 cm; 62,5 x 85 cm (frame).
In this canvas the theme of the flagellation of Christ is approached, developing in a complex architectural space, opening in the right zone of the scene to the outside, where another scene also starring Christ, soldiers and a great multitude is appreciated. It is a compositional scheme of Flemish tradition that promotes the narrativity of the image, in addition to the Flemish influence in the spatial concept. This decisive moment in the life of Jesus is represented in a completely baroque way. Thus, we find ourselves in front of an image full of characters, with a totally variegated composition full of narrative.
Aesthetically the work follows models of the painting of Frans Franken II, the most fruitful of his family of painters, was formed with his father, Frans Francken I, and in 1605 he entered the Guild of Painters of St. Luke of Antwerp, thus beginning a career that would last until 1640, in which he specialized in cabinet painting. His contribution to this genre was of great importance, influencing artists such as Teniers. His style is based on that of Jan Brueghel de Velours, although it also shows strong influences of his father and his uncle, Hieronimus Francken. In his early works, debts to Mannerism and 16th century painting can be seen, both in the structure of the compositions and in the rhythm and expression of his figures. They also include evident references to the work of Italian artists such as Raphael, Veronese and Zuccaro. Likewise, the use of prints by Dürer and Lucas de Leyden for some of his figures has been demonstrated. In addition to cabinet painting, Francken painted mythological and biblical themes, some altarpieces and, in collaboration with other artists, painted the figures in landscapes or interior scenes of Tobacco.
in landscapes or interior scenes by Tobias Verhaecht, Joos de Momper II, Pieter Neefs or Paul Vredeman de Vries, among others. He is currently represented in the most important art galleries in the world, such as the Prado Museum, the Louvre, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, the Kunshistorisches Museum in Vienna, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the Royal Collection in London, among many others.