Virgin Mary surrounded by a wreath of flowers. Antwerp, ca. 1620-1640.
Oil on panel. 17th century
Atelier FRANS FRANCKEN II (1581-1642
The depiction of religious scenes in a flower wreath was an Antwerp specialty in the period 1620-1640. Numerous similar scenes have survived to this day. Usually they were the product of a collaboration between a painter who specialized in painting figures and another who was responsible for the flowers.
Many similar variants are attributed to the prolific studio of Frans Francken. However, given the popularity of these types of paintings, it can be assumed that many hitherto anonymous studio workers contributed to the production of these paintings.