Lot 48: Jan Philips van Thielen , Mechelen 1618 - 1687 Festoons of flowers decorating a stone niche inset with the Holy family oil on canvas

oil on canvas

measurements note 147.5 by 87.5 cm.; 58 by 34 1/2 in.

Isaac Cookson (1776-1851) of Meldon Park, Northumberland;
Thence by descent to the present owners.

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Van Thielen began his career as an apprentice to the flower painter Daniel Seghers before being made a master of the Guild of St Luke in Antwerp in 1641 or 1642. He is known to have collaborated with other artists, including his brother-in-law Erasmus Quellinus and the Dutch artist Cornelis van Poelenburch, who would often paint the figures within his garlands. Various elements of this composition recur elsewhere in the artist's oeuvre. The tripartite triangular flower arrangement encasing a cartouche can be found in a work offered Paris, Tajan, 24 June 2004, lot 22, and again, though inverted, in a collaborative work with Erasmus Quellinus which was sold in these Rooms, 7 July 1993, lot 56. The Holy Family appears surrounded by flowers in the centre of another work offered in these Rooms, 28 October 1987, lot 130.