Meister der Antwerpener Anbetung (Nachfolger/Follower)

Description:

1. Hälfte 16. Jhdt./1st half of 16th ct.
45 x 33 cm
Crucifixion of Christ. Oil/panel.
Ferdinand III Mülhens Collection, Cologne
The crucifixion scene in a very vertical form, possibly slightly shortened on the right, is made entirely in the tradition of the Antwerp Mannerists, although works by the great North Netherlandish masters were widespread throughout Europe via sketches, hand drawings and, above all, prints. What is remarkable about our well-preserved panel is its proximity to a Crucifixion altarpiece by the " Master of the Antwerp Adoration" (Christie`s, June 2017, 118 x 172 cm ) and here in particular the figure of Mary Magdalene kneeling and embracing the cross. Also, we must probably distinguish two executing hands, because the figure of the suffering Christ and especially the drapery of the swinging loincloth, are clearly different in the painterly level from the assistant figures to the left and right of the cross. It is also striking that the groups of assistant figures, with the little dog and the skull, are on a stage-like pedestal, to which Magdalena, so to speak, approaches the cross.