Lot 245: Juan Antonio de Frias y Escalante , Cordoba 1630 - 1669 Madrid the adoration of the magi oil on canvas

oil on canvas

measurements note 52 by 89.5 cm.; 20 1/2 by 35 1/4 in.

The composition derives from Rubens' Adoration of the Magi in the Prado, Madrid.υ1 The principal difference between the two works lies in the fact that in Escalante's smaller derivation the entire scene is set indoors whereas Rubens only provides shelter over the Infant Christ, to the left of the composition.

Escalante had moved to Madrid from his native Andalucia at an early age to study with Francisco Rizi. He was strongly influenced by Rubens in both the colouring and rich movement of his scenes, for example in his David and Abigail, also in the Prado.υ2

1. Inv.no. 1638. See M. Jaffé, Rubens, Milan 1990, p. 309, cat. no. 948, reproduced.
2. Inv. no. 698. See J.M. Ortega Calderón, Todo el Prado, Madrid 1996, p. 224, cat. no. 613, reproduced.