Unique miniature painting of the Nativity of Christ attributed to Hans Werl or Daniel Fröschl, circa 1591
DESCRIPTION:
Exceptionally high-quality, full-page illumination on parchment, mounted on cardboard. Exquisite gouache/watercolor painting in intense pigments, with gold highlights. The miniature depicts the birth of Christ with the adoration of the shepherds: the Virgin Mary kneels in prayer before the child in the manger, Joseph stands beside her, shepherds with staffs and hats approach, accompanied by angels, animals (ox, donkey, sheep) and a detailed landscape in the background with ruins and mountains. The style is Mannerist, with dramatic lighting effects, rich drapery in the garments, and naturalistic figures, typical of the late Renaissance. This miniature was auctioned as lot 30 in Sotheby's “Western Manuscripts and Miniatures” auction (Sale L04241) on December 7, 2004, in London. The title in the catalog is “The Nativity of Christ, full-page miniature illuminated on vellum.” The composition is closely based on a painting by Hans von Aachen from 1591 (which was sold at Sotheby's in 1983 and reproduced as a copperplate engraving by Johannes Sadeler in 1592). It is a copy or adaptation, possibly made for a prayer book or as a single sheet for collectors such as Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, who commissioned such miniatures. The attribution goes to Hans Werl (active 1570–1608, from Munich) or Daniel Fröschl (1563–1613, from Munich, court painter to Rudolf II, specializing in miniatures after old masters). The date can therefore be traced back to the late 16th or early 17th century. Miniatures of this kind were popular among court collectors and often served as devotional art or study copies. The artist Daniel Fröschl was known for his precise imitations, hence the possible attribution based on the high quality of this miniature.
Provenance: Previously auctioned at Sotheby's on June 22, 1993, then acquired by Maggs Bros. (London), who offered it in their catalog no. 1167 in 1994 as no. 27 for GBP 6,000 (with illustration on the cover). Please see the detailed photos.
SIZE:
h about. 14.1 cm x w about. 10.0 cm
CONDITION:
- Miniature in good condition, mounted on cardboard
- Slight signs of wear, overall in good condition with intact gold accents
- Slightly stained
- WBL no. 490/K
