Follower of Jan van Kessel; 17th century and later.

Follower of JAN VAN KESSEL (Antwerp, 1626- 1679); 17th century and later.
"Orla de flores".
Oil on copper.
Measurements: 26,5 x 20,5 cm; 40 x 34 cm (frame).
The Virgin appears seated with the Child in her lap, embracing him in a maternal gesture, accompanied by two angels musicians. Mary is dressed in blue and red as usual in this type of scenes. This devotional image is framed by a border that stands out for a large floral repertoire that offers an attractive variety, identifying a good number of species: tulips, blue anemones, roses and chrysanthemums and also hyacinths. Flowers that stand out in their wide chromatic range against the dark background. J This work follows a very popular tradition in 17th century Baroque painting. Although, because of the importance of the flowers and fruits, it is possible to speak of a still life, the religious scene they frame means that it should be considered as part of a very common line of paintings in both the Spanish and Flemish schools. The central theme was painted in grisaille, imitating sculpture, or in color, and, although this was usually religious, it is not entirely exceptional to find mythological themes or even an element of still life; and it was surrounded by a garland, sometimes running and sometimes divided, made in full color.
The work follows the known models of Jan van Kessel "the Elder", a Flemish painter active in Antwerp in the mid-17th century. A versatile artist who practiced in many genres, including insect studies, floral still lifes, marines, river landscapes, paradise landscapes, allegorical compositions, animal scenes and genre scenes. A scion of the Brueghel family, many of his subjects were inspired by the work of his grandfather Jan Brueghel the Elder, as well as the previous generation of Flemish painters such as Daniel Seghers, Joris Hoefnagel and Frans Snyders. Jan van Kessel the Elder was born in Antwerp as the son of Hieronymus van Kessel the Younger and Paschasia Brueghel (the daughter of Jan Brueghel the Elder). He was, therefore, Jan Brueghel, the grandson of the Elder, Pieter Bruegel, the great-grandson of the Elder and the nephew of Jan Brueghel the Younger. His direct ancestors in the van Kessel family line were his grandfather Hieronymus van Kessel the Elder and his father Hieronymus van Kessel the Younger, who were both painters. Very little is known about the work of these van Kessel ancestors. At the age of only 9, Jan van Kessel was sent to study with the history painter Simon de Vos. He also trained with family members who were artists. He was a pupil of his father and his uncle Jan Brueghel the Younger. In 1644 he became a member of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke, where he was registered as a "blomschilder" (flower painter). He married Maria van Apshoven on June 11, 1646. The couple had 13 children, of whom two, Jan and Ferdinand, were trained by him and became successful painters. He was captain of a local schutterij (civil guard) in Antwerp. Jan van Kessel was financially successful as his works commanded high prices. He bought in 1656 a house called Witte en Roode Roos (White and Red Rose) in the center of Antwerp. When his wife died in 1678, his fortunes seem to have worsened. In 1679 he had to mortgage his house. He was too ill to paint and died on April 17, 1679 in Antwerp. He trained other painters and also his own family members. His pupils included his sons Jan and Ferdinand.