Westcoast Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The Ascension of Jesus, (XVIII) School of Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
Period: Circa 18th Century
Medium: Oil on canvas laid onto board
Provenance: From a private Hampshire UK collection
A very large, beautifully composed 18th century oil on canvas laid onto board painting from the school of and follower of the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens which depicts The Ascension; Jesus Christ with his arms aloft in top part, the Apostles and Virgin Mary onlooking from lower part along with two groups of onlookers.
The work is perhaps unique and is very close to an engraving produced by Theodoor Galle after an original design by Rubens believed to have here completed in circa 1650. The Museum number 1891,0414.1130 relates to the engraving held in the British museum.
The official description of the work is "The Ascension; Jesus Christ with his arms aloft in top part, the Apostles and Virgin Mary onlooking from lower part"; after Theodor Galle who engraved after a design by Rubens; illustration to Missale Romanum (1650) the engraving is Height: Height: 301 millimetres Width: Width: 198 millimetres and is one of a series of book-illustrations, for other plates of this series in BM collection see 1891,0414.1132 and 1891,0414.1134.
Bibliographic references
Hollstein / Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts c.1450-1700 (153-163) Schneevoogt 1873 / Catalogue des estampes gravées d'après P.P.Rubens (210.8)
Corpus Rubenianum XXI / Rubens. Book Illustrations and Title Pages (24) Registration number 1891,0414.1130.
Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640) was a Flemish painter. He was the greatest exponent of Baroque painting’s dynamism, vitality, and sensuous exuberance. Though his masterpieces include portraits and landscapes, Rubens is perhaps best known for his religious and mythological compositions. As the impresario of vast decorative programs, he presided over the most famous painter’s studio in Europe. His powers of invention were matched by extraordinary energy and versatility.
The painting offers is a well-constructed version of the engraving outlined above, and given its accuracy suggests a close association with the original sketch produced by Rubens.
Condition: In overall fine cleaned condition. The painting on canvas has, at some point in the last 50 years or so, been laid onto board. There appears to be two old repair patches to the verso left on at the time which very slightly protrude but only noticeable in cross light, and on close inspection and not noticeable on front viewing. There is infill to an old vertical paint loss from a possible very narrow tear to the far-left margin which has been filled to the level of the crowd to the left of the depiction of Christ. It is still slightly indented below but doesn't detract from the composition in our opinion. There are areas of retouching and some well-blended old retouching to the background, mainly in the back far left. The paint surface is even and stable. The frame has been restored and is ebonised with inlaid, hand-painted gilt markings. The frame is offered as a gift.
Westcoast Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
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Flemish School Painting "The Ascension of Jesus", School of Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
