After Hans Memling (1430-1494) - La Circuncisión






Master in early Renaissance Italian painting with internship at Sotheby’s and 15 years' experience.
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La Circuncisión, an oil painting from 1910–1920, attributed to an artist after Hans Memling (1430–1494), originating in France; unsigned, needs restoration, 50 × 40 cm, original edition, sold by Galería.
Description from the seller
The work presents a dramatic contrast between light and shadow, where clarity highlights the sacred, while darkness envelops the earthly and the painful. A central void draws the eye, symbolizing sacrifice and transcendence, while the scene is framed by an oppressive atmosphere that underscores the gravity of the moment. The use of space is tense, with a sense of confinement that amplifies the meaning of what is depicted.
The colors, carefully chosen, play a crucial role: warm tones suggest the divine and the eternal, while cool tones evoke mortality and suffering. The light, which seems to emanate from an invisible source, bathes some elements, contrasting with the gloom that surrounds the scene, creating a duality that reflects the struggle between good and evil, life and death.
The background dissolves into an undefined mist, leaving the viewer in a state of ambiguity, as if the reality of the scene were beyond the tangible. The balance between the figurative and the abstract gives a sense of timelessness, inviting reflection on the sacred, the eternal, and the ephemeral nature of human existence.
Total dimensions: 50x40 cm
ATTENTION: this painting will be presented at auction only once.
**It is important to note that the frame of the work is not included in this shipment. The image shown with a frame is merely indicative and has the purpose of offering a visual reference for how the work might look in its final presentation. The frame is an additional option that can be purchased separately, according to the buyer's taste and preference, and may vary in style, color, and material.**
The shipment of the work is carried out under strict safety and protection conditions. The piece, carefully wrapped in a layer of protective material, is placed in a high-strength cardboard container, designed specifically to cushion any impact during the transport.
The work presents a dramatic contrast between light and shadow, where clarity highlights the sacred, while darkness envelops the earthly and the painful. A central void draws the eye, symbolizing sacrifice and transcendence, while the scene is framed by an oppressive atmosphere that underscores the gravity of the moment. The use of space is tense, with a sense of confinement that amplifies the meaning of what is depicted.
The colors, carefully chosen, play a crucial role: warm tones suggest the divine and the eternal, while cool tones evoke mortality and suffering. The light, which seems to emanate from an invisible source, bathes some elements, contrasting with the gloom that surrounds the scene, creating a duality that reflects the struggle between good and evil, life and death.
The background dissolves into an undefined mist, leaving the viewer in a state of ambiguity, as if the reality of the scene were beyond the tangible. The balance between the figurative and the abstract gives a sense of timelessness, inviting reflection on the sacred, the eternal, and the ephemeral nature of human existence.
Total dimensions: 50x40 cm
ATTENTION: this painting will be presented at auction only once.
**It is important to note that the frame of the work is not included in this shipment. The image shown with a frame is merely indicative and has the purpose of offering a visual reference for how the work might look in its final presentation. The frame is an additional option that can be purchased separately, according to the buyer's taste and preference, and may vary in style, color, and material.**
The shipment of the work is carried out under strict safety and protection conditions. The piece, carefully wrapped in a layer of protective material, is placed in a high-strength cardboard container, designed specifically to cushion any impact during the transport.
