Jan van Kessel I and Jan van Balen, Still life with flowers and butterflies, trompe l'oeil frame and sacred scene, first half of the 17th century Signed I. V. Balen Oil on panel. Dimensions: 68 x 82 cm Price: by private negotiation Item accompanied by our certificate of authenticity The painting, of exquisite quality, features a rich floral composition adorning an architectural trompe l'oeil frame, at the center of which opens a small scene with the Holy Family, Saint John the Baptist, and a putto, in a compositional style typical of collaborations between Jan van Kessel I (1626–1679) and Jan van Balen (1611–1654) within the context of 17th-century Flemish garland painting. Against a very dark background, a large illusionistic frame in carved simulated stone emerges, with flowing volutes and ample shaped surfaces, mimicking a monumental baroque altarpiece frame or carte de gloire frame; the sculptural effect is enhanced by warm chiaroscuro and sharp shadows that highlight its recesses and projections. The inner profile, opening like a curvilinear oval, encloses the central devotional scene. The trompe l'oeil frame is signed I.V. Balen on a molding. Around this architectural structure, garland compositions and flower arrangements develop, falling naturally: striped tulips, roses, carnations, dahlias, and small wildflowers are recognizable, rendered with extreme descriptive detail, according to Jan van Kessel I's usual naturalistic skill in depicting botanical species. Butterflies rest delicately on some flowers. The colors, playing on the balanced alternation of deep reds, pinks, whites, yellows, and bright oranges, stand out against the dark background, dialoguing with the intense green of the leaves and ivy tendrils, creating a refined chromatic contrast and a strong sense of depth. Furthermore, painting on panel ensures a more saturated and intense chromatic rendering. In the central medallion, the Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and a putto is depicted: the Virgin, seated in the foreground, holds the Child in her arms, who turns towards John, offering him a small lamb, a clear reference to Christ's future sacrifice; in the background, the figure of Saint Joseph is glimpsed, slightly set back, watching over the scene with a contemplative air. The palette of the figurative part, with muted brown and red tones, distinguishes itself from that of the garland, underscoring the different hand of the figure painter, Jan van Balen, compared to the flower specialist Jan van Kessel I, in line with a well-documented collaborative practice in Flemish painting of the time. Due to its dimensions, the preciousness of the execution on panel, and the refined balance between the devotional component and decorative virtuosity, the work is perfectly suited as a piece for private devotion or as a collectible wall piece, ideal for a classic setting or to dialogue in a contemporary context with designer furnishings. The painting is accompanied by a carved and gilded wooden frame. Historical and artistic studies are currently underway. New images will be added shortly.
Period: 17th century