Frans Francken II - Allegory Of The Elements

Very fine 17th century Flemish old master "Allegory of the four elements" attributed to Frans Francken the Younger and workshop

The figures are the Nereid Amphitrite, holding a coral and representing water, the muse Urania, holding an armillary sphere as a symbol of air, the goddess Vesta, whose torch symbolises fire, and finally the goddess Ceres with her traditional cornucopia as the element of earth. Whilst allegorical paintings were very popular in the early 17th century, the present composition is very rare, we did find another example in a painting which is regarded as a joint collaboration between Jan Brueghel II (landscape) and Frans Francken II (figures). Collaboration was a frequent practice in 17th century Antwerp and allowed artists to excel in their niches and create paintings which combined the "best of each". The elements in the foreground of the present painting may have been executed by a workshop assistant. 

Stamp of the Antwerp panel makers with a gate and hands on the reverse of the panel.

Frans Francken II (1581–1642) was a distinguished Flemish painter, celebrated for his intricate and detailed works that often depicted religious, mythological, and historical subjects. Born into the renowned Francken family of artists in Antwerp, he was the son of Frans Francken I and trained under his father and uncle. Francken II's style is marked by vivid detail, dynamic compositions, and vibrant colors. He specialized in allegorical and historical scenes, frequently creating smaller cabinet paintings prized by collectors of his era. His works are noted for their meticulous brushwork and complex arrangements, often featuring a multitude of figures and intricate details. Francken II collaborated with other artists, adding figures to landscapes and architectural scenes painted by his contemporaries. Notable works include "The Seven Acts of Mercy" and "Triumph of the Eucharist," reflecting his skill in creating symbolic and theologically rich compositions. Francken II's paintings are significant contributions to Flemish Baroque art, and his legacy endures through the numerous works housed in major museums and collections worldwide.

Dimensions:
Oil on panel ca. 35*27cm
With frame ca. 55*47 cm

Provenance:
Private collection (Maria Almas-Dietrich), Munich, c. 1933 (?)
Central Collecting Point, Munich, brought in and kept there for Mimi tho Rahde (daughter and authorized representative of Maria Almas-Dietrich), 18.2.1946-4.2.1947. - Returned to the private collection of Mimi tho Rahde, Munich, 5.2.1947 as by Frans Francken II