St. James the Apostle. Flemish School. Workshop of Frans Francken. 17th century

St. James the Apostle. Flemish School. Workshop of Frans Francken. 17th century

A fantastic depiction of St. James the Apostle from the Flemish School, originally from the workshop of Frans Francken and painted in the 17th century. The painting is an oil on copper and features a beautiful colour palette, with loose yet precise brushstrokes that reveal the hand of a consummate artist. The scene is highly original, as it combines two distinct Christian iconographies. Saint James the Apostle, also known as James the Greater, lies on the ground; we recognise him by his attributes: the pilgrims hat, the staff, and the gourd. However, the scene is what is popularly known as Jacobs Ladder, as recounted in Genesis 28:1119. In this story, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching up to heaven, up and down which angels ascend and descend, and at the top of which stands God. The artist combines both themes to convey the message that God sent to Saint James, who dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel until his death in Jerusalem by order of Herod Agrippa I. The scene is very beautiful: the cloudy sky displays a delicate range of colours suggesting a sunrise, flanked on both sides by dark trees that create contrast. The centre is dominated by the staircase, painted in light tones using the sfumato technique, which evokes a powerful sense of spirituality. The Apostle is dressed in vivid colours and appears very earthly, contrasting with the subtlety of the celestial world. The oil painting features a beautiful carved and gilded frame that enhances its appeal.

This oil painting of St. James the Apostle from the Flemish School, an original from the workshop of Frans Francken, is an exclusive work worthy of the finest art gallery.

Dimensions: Unframed Oil Painting: Width: 16 cm. Height: 21.8 cm. Framed Oil Painting: Width: 22.5 cm. Height: 28 cm.

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