FRANS FRANCKEN II (1581-1642) Lot n° 15

(workshop) The Annunciation surrounded by a garland of flowers. Antwerp, c. 1620-1640. Oil on panel. Reverse marked with the brand of the Antwerp panel-maker's guild and an unidentified mark 'A'. Provenance: Private collection Wezembeek-Oppem The depiction of religious scenes in a floral wreath was an Antwerp speciality during the period 1620-1640. Numerous similar scenes have survived to the present day. Usually they were the product of a collaboration between a painter specialised in painting figures and another who was responsible for the flowers. Many similar variants are attributed to the prolific studio of Frans Francken. However, it can be assumed that, given the popularity of this type of paintings, many hitherto anonymous studio collaborators contributed to the production of these paintings. According to Joost van der Auwera, the letter 'A' on the reverse is no panel maker's mark. Since it features several times together with the brand of the Antwerp panel-makers' guild and a maker's mark, another function must be attached to it. Which one is not clear. (cf. http://jordaensvandyck.org/article/de-antwerpse-tafereelmakers-en-hun-merken/). 64 x 48 cm (82 x 65.5 cm) 28.05.2024 Lot update: The estimation was adjusted. 14.06.2024 Lot update: We thank Prof em Dr Jørgen Wadum for explaining to us the two panel marks on the reverse: the Antwerp brandmark (datable 1617-1626) and the letter 'A'. This letter was punched in on panels by various panel makers as a 'year-letter' during the guild year October 1621- October 1622, the production year of the panel.