Willem Jacob Herreyns (1743-1827) - The Holy Virgin

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A finely executed devotional painting depicting the Virgin Mary in prayer, her hands gently clasped and her head bowed in quiet contemplation. She is portrayed wearing a deep blue mantle over a white veil, set against a dark background and surrounded by a delicate golden halo. The composition is clearly inspired by the refined Italian devotional tradition, particularly the celebrated representations of the Virgin by artists such as Giovanni Battista Salvi, known as Sassoferrato (1609–1685).

Willem Jacob Herreyns was a distinguished Flemish painter of religious subjects and portraits, regarded as one of the last representatives of the Flemish Baroque tradition and a notable follower of Peter Paul Rubens. Born in Antwerp, he studied under Balthasar Beschey and later became director of the Antwerp Academy, where he taught until his death in 1827. His religious commissions, particularly for churches and religious institutions in the Antwerp region, form an important part of his artistic legacy.

In 1797 he saved 328 paintings from the churches and monasteries that had been ordered closed by the French occupiers. Many of these paintings had in fact been stolen. He worked on the return of Rubens' paintings Our Lady with the parrot and The Madonna surrounded by Saints. More infos: rkd.nl/artists/37908

An elegant devotional work combining the Flemish Baroque heritage with the graceful and contemplative aesthetic of the Italian Marian tradition.

⦿ Signed top right: G:Herreyns 1814
⦿ Dimensions (approx.): 17,5 x 22,5 cm (artwork), 32 x 37,5 cm (incl. frame/total).
⦿ Condition: Exhibits an authentic patina of age (see pictures).
⦿ Please note: Frame included gratis; comes as a gift and should be treated as such.
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