Meister der süddeutschen Schule (XVII) - Barocke Andachtsminiaturen des Hl. Johannes dem Täufer & der Hl Maria Magdalena.

Baroque devotional miniatures on parchment and copper

Saint John the Baptist & Saint Mary Magdalene

Southern Germany, probably Augsburg or Munich, circa 1650–1680

An exceptionally rare and touching pair of South German Baroque miniatures of remarkable painterly quality. The two finely executed devotional images depict Saint John the Baptist and Saint Mary Magdalene – two of the most significant figures in Christian salvation history, shown in intimate contemplation and quiet spiritual immersion.

Executed in the finest gouache painting on parchment (animal skin) and on copper panels backed, these works embody the high craftsmanship of South German miniature painting in the 17th century. The extraordinarily delicate rendering of facial features, subtle color nuances, and the meticulously detailed landscape passages testify to the hand of an experienced and superbly trained miniature painter from the environs of the major South German art centers Augsburg or Munich.

The depiction of Saint Mary Magdalene follows the classical Baroque iconography. Beside her appear a skull, a cross, and an alabaster vase – symbols of transience, repentance, and the hope of redemption. Her contemplative posture and inward gaze lend the composition a deeply poetic and spiritual effect.

Saint John the Baptist is shown together with the Lamb of God. The finely executed scroll with the inscription “Ecce Agnus Dei” refers to his role as the Forerunner of Christ. The landscape, the handling of garments, and the finely modulated incarnates reveal the high quality of execution and the proximity to the courtly and monastic art of South Germany in the flourishing period of the Baroque.

Particularly noteworthy is the exceptionally original condition of the ensemble. The miniatures are still in their historic ebonised oval frames with gilded inner borders. The original copper panels, the historic mounting, and the old backings have been preserved, documenting the authenticity and completeness of these rare works.

Of special interest is the documented provenance. The pair was already offered by the renowned Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, as a significant example of South German miniature painting of the 17th century. The back-side auction labels, lot numbers, and historic collection marks accompany the works to the present day and constitute a valuable addition to their collection history.

Such fully preserved Baroque miniature ensembles with documented auction provenance are rarely seen on the international art market. The combination of finest parchment painting, original copper carriers, historic frames, and traceable provenance endows these works with extraordinary art-historical and collecting significance.

Details

* Artist: Unknown Master of the South German School
* Country of origin: Germany
* Region: Southern Germany, probably Augsburg or Munich
* Date: around 1650–1680
* Style: High Baroque
* Technique: Gouache on parchment (animal skin), mounted on copper
* Depiction: Saint John the Baptist and Saint Mary Magdalene
* Frame: original ebonised wooden frames with gilded interiors
* Provenance: Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, former auction with back-side labels and lot numbers

A rare museum-quality pair of Baroque devotional miniatures of great charisma – created for quiet contemplation and still serves up to today with that spiritual depth that characterizes great South German art of the 17th century.

Enclosed – photos from the catalog of the renowned auction house Lempertz!!
Measurements are updated… more detailed than the catalog!