Maestro svevo del XV sec, ambito di Martin Schongauer (1448-1491) - Adorazione dei Magi

\Artist: Maestro svevo del XV sec, ambito di Martin Schongauer (1448-1491)
Technique: Tempera, oil and gold background on wood\Signature: Not signed\Dimensions: 61_38. 5_4_cm
#mastersofart Swabian master of the end of the fifteenth century, circle of Martin Schongauer, ‘Adorazione dei Magi’, tempera and oil on panel, gold background, 61 x 38. 5 cm; circle of Martin Schongauer (Colmar, c. 1448 – Breisach am Rhein, 1491) . Completely original and in excellent condition. It is a very rare panel of high quality that, from a historical and artistic point of view, is placed in the Swabian area at the end of the fifteenth century, with evident Flemish influences, in particular of the Ghent and Antwerp area. From a stylistic point of view, it has strong similarities with a certain Swabian production of the late fifteenth century, referring to the circle of Martin Schongauer (1448-1491) . However, the analysis of the iconographic elements also allows us to hypothesize a strong influence and relations with the Flemish geographical area for the following reasons. The scene depicted is that of the adoration of the Kings, told only by the Gospel of Matthew and without any descriptive detail. This lack of information in canonical Gospel texts has caused each geographical area and historical period to develop their own specific iconography by consolidating elements partly derived from other literary traditions, including the apocryphal gospels, and partly the invention of the artists themselves. Thus the adherence to a particular way of depicting the scene of adoration can identify, or at least suggest, the placement in a given artistic context. In this specific case, the iconography chosen by our artist regarding the somatic features of the characters, colours of the clothes, poses and articulation of the scene connects the painter to models present in the area between Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges in the last quarter of the fifteenth century. The condition of this panel is excellent, with minor restorations only where there are very small colour losses (the images include some diagnostic shots taken with ultraviolet fluorescence where the restorations appear) . The surface is very well preserved, both in terms of chromatic tone and of texture. On the back, the panel has been parqueted (a mobile reinforcement structure made of wooden slats was added) . This work has never been presented at auction, at international fairs or in private galleries. It has belonged to the current collector for about twenty years. Complete with certificate of authenticity and lawful origin. As far as delivery is concerned, the prestige and fragility of the work implies special care, so pickup on site or delivery by our Gallery is preferred. If necessary, we can arrange shipping by preparing a wooden crate. We recommend that you contact us through Catawiki’s customer service before purchasing, to agree on delivery methods and times. Please note that in case of sale abroad, the item can be shipped only after obtaining the authorisation for export from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage (Certificate of free circulation of fine arts) . This usually takes about 40 days. To date, due to the Covid 19 emergency, waiting times may be longer because of the regulations to contain the epidemic. In case of purchase, buyers are reminded to provide their tax code in order to issue an electronic invoice.