A Particularly Rare and Special 16th Century Portrait of Philip Melanchthon – Oil on Panel. A Very Fine Early Portrait – Circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472 – 1553). Here we have an exceptional and potentially important piece of 16th century portrait history probably painted in about 1550 when Melanchthon was in his fifties and in the twilight of his life – just as Lucas Cranach the Elder was nearing his final few years. There is much documented history surrounding the life of our sitter – wikipedia for one source – which I won’t go into here – but suffice to say that as a friend and collaborator of Martin Luther in what is now Germany he was a founder of Protestantism.. There are quite a few portraits of Melanchthon at varying ages of his life and this particular piece comes with a fair amount of historical detail.. Additionally we have their ubiquitous stencil. The most fascinating aspect though is the letter stuck on the back also mentioning that the work was put through Christies in the late 19th century and was’bought in’…. Christies nowadays only do this with items they KNOW will reach or supercede the reserve (like Lucien Freud or David Hockney). It is a shame that the letter has been partially rubbed away but we can see that the writer – probably the owner – tells us that the Directors of the National Gallery view it as a genuine work from the mid 16th century but we cannot see their EXACT conclusion. It looks like they are guiding us to a mark’ on the right hand side half way up which is the mark of Cranach’…….. I can see no further than what the owner tells us – it was bought from a dealer’Herr Guder’ in 1885 in Nuremburg together with other antiques such as furniture.. The letter is most certainly genuine but some of it is obscured which might have shown us further elements of interest. The painting itself is in extremely well looked after order and the colours are still vibrant… A slight bow in the panel and dead woodworm does not detract from the overall. The frame is later but perfectly matching the ripple moulded gesso frames of the style of the Cranach period. I cannot of course say that this is a long lost Crannach but it is of his age and has validation by Christies and the directors of the National Gallery so it has certain historical merit. I suspect this is from his circle and was a’copy’ by a student of Cranach’s or another budding artist who wanted to emulate his style…. It might even have been his son – Cranach the Younger! We cannot be sure – it is a very old item – but there are tantalizing snippets of provenance which could prove important or possibly not….. An excellent and rare very early portrait of great interest….. Measurements including the frame 20″ x 18″. I hope you will afford me the privilege of taking time to look at my offerings on here. I will offer you honesty and transparency. I will clearly show you the entire work of art – front and back – and detail all it’s good and bad points. I will not be vague about age or provenance or any later work carried out. I also offer inspection at my home on all pieces with no obligation. It has to be good enough to grace my own home should it not sell. I hope you will find something you like – please message me with questions – You will find me accommodating and friendly. This is the exact cost to me. Some larger paintings can require a courier who will personally deliver to you… This may take a little longer to arrive. For international carriage costs please message me. Best wishes and thank you for looking. The item “RARE EARLY OLD MASTER PORTRAIT PAINTING OF PHILIP MELANCHTHON (1497 1560)” is in sale since Thursday, November 21, 2019. This item is in the category “Art\Paintings”. The seller is “gregharpip” and is located in CALNE, Wiltshire. This item can be shipped to United Kingdom.
- Medium: Oil
- Year: 1550
- Width (Inches): 18″
- Subject: Portrait
- Date of Creation: Antique (Pre-1900)
- Style: Realism
- Height (Inches): 20″
- Originality: Original
- Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
- Size: Medium (up to 36in.)
- Features: Framed
