HENDRICK VAN BALEN I (1575–1632) AND JAN BRUEGHEL I (1568–1625)

Oil on copper panel. Expert Analysis: Dr. Klaus Ertz, Lingen. This painting was executed in the late 1620s by Flemish Baroque painter Hendrick van Balen in collaboration with his friend Jan Brueghel the Elder. Balen specialised in small cabinet paintings with mythological and allegorical subjects, and to a lesser extent religious themes. He played an important role in the restoration of Flemish painting in the early 17th century and was one of the teachers of Anthony van Dyck. He worked quite often with Jan Brueghel the Elder. The dating of the work can be derived from the voluptuous figures of the Virgin Mary and the cupids, which probably reflects the influence of Rubens. In the center the monumental Madonna is executed with a humble facial expression, dressed in a red robe and a blue cloak. The infant Jesus, sitting on her lap, accepts flowers from the angel on the left side of the painting. A similar scene takes place on the right side, but here the Madonna holds a floral wreath close to her body. All the floral decor was painted by Jan Brueghel the Elder, as evidenced by their delicate execution. Behind the head of the Virgin Mary is a distinctive, bright orange-yellow glow. The whole scene takes place in the sky and is surrounded by figures of angels.