After Peter Paul Rubens, the Assumption of the Virgin - Antique Oil Painting

1900 - 1920

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This mid-20th-century oil on canvas is a study of an altarpiece by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), which now resides in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels.

Over the years, numerous artists have travelled across Europe to study the old masters. Here, we see the artist considering composition and tone. Absent of detail, they focus on form and tone as the typically Rubenesque figures create a symbolic pyramid of drama.

The Assumption of the Virgin was often depicted by Rubens and his workshop. In this version, a choir of angels lifts her towards the light while 11 apostles surround her tomb. On the left, we see two female figures believed to be the Virgin Mary’s sisters. While towards the centre, a third female, possibly Mary Magdalene, looks down.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 17½” x 24½” / 44cm x 62cm

Year of creation: c. 1910

Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Minor paint losses.

Physical Dimensions

Height

62cm (24.41")

Width

44cm (17.32")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA938115

Description

This mid-20th-century oil on canvas is a study of an altarpiece by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), which now resides in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels.

Over the years, numerous artists have travelled across Europe to study the old masters. Here, we see the artist considering composition and tone.

“

Absent of detail, they focus on form and tone as the typically Rubenesque figures create a symbolic pyramid of drama.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. After Peter Paul Rubens, The Assumption Of The Virgin - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. After Peter Paul Rubens, the Assumption of the Virgin - Antique Oil Painting

The Assumption of the Virgin was often depicted by Rubens and his workshop. In this version, a choir of angels lifts her towards the light while 11 apostles surround her tomb. On the left, we see two female figures believed to be the Virgin Mary’s sisters. While towards the centre, a third female, possibly Mary Magdalene, looks down.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 17½” x 24½” / 44cm x 62cm

Year of creation: c. 1910

Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Minor paint losses.