The Annunciation, Pieter De Witte, Also Known As Peter Candid (bruges, 1548 - Munich, 1628)

Pieter de Witte, also known as Peter Candid (Bruges, 1548 - Munich, 1628) - Workshop/School
The Annunciation

oil on canvas
(cm): 79 x 110 - framed 92 x 127

All the details relating to this painting can be viewed at the following - LINK -

We are delighted to present a fascinating work, dating back to the beginning of the 17th century, inspired by the prototype of the Annunciation created around 1586-1595 by Pieter de Witte, also known as Peter Candid (Bruges, 1540/1548 - Munich, 1628), which has been lost but made famous thanks to an engraving made and published by Jan Sadeler I (1550-1600).

A painter of Flemish origin with strong affinities to 16th century Italianising culture, De Witte tackles the theme of the Annunciation numerous times, revealing knowledge of both Roman and Florentine Mannerism, inherited from his Italian sojourn.

Some of these works are now housed in various international museums, in addition to autograph or workshop works that can be found in numerous public or private collections; in this regard, we may mention the following:

- National Museum in Prague [1] https://sbirky.ngprague.cz/en/dielo/CZE:NG.DO_5348
- Carrara Academy of Bergamo, Angelo Annunziante and Vergine Annunziata [2].
https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/opere-arte/schede/C0050-00187/
https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/opere-arte/schede/C0050-00188/

- Finnish National Museum, Helsinki https://www.kansallisgalleria.fi/fi/object/623740

- Private property, religious institution Bergamo (Bergamo area) https://dati.beniculturali.it/lodview-arco/resource/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0300206377.html

Observing the composition, we can admire the rather well-established iconographic scheme, with the two figures immersed in an almost dreamlike atmosphere: the Archangel Gabriel on the left, of an ethereal beauty, appears imperious as he delivers the supreme annunciation to the Virgin Mary, who greets him with lowered eyes, composed in her amazement; surprised in the act of reading a book, she receives the white lilies, symbol of purity and chastity, while on the other appears the dove, emblem of the Holy Spirit, enveloped in a glow of light.

Inspired, as already mentioned, by the Flemish painter's prototype, the painting is here taken up rather faithfully and can therefore be compared to the numerous replicas and derivations of the painting - some of which are no longer traceable - ascribed to De Witte's workshop. In particular, its execution should, in our opinion, be ascribed to one of the numerous pupils who gravitated around his work and, given the stylistic characteristics, almost certainly active in Italy.

In our case, in fact, while observing a precious draftsmanship with brilliant tones, the Nordic ductus typical of the artist is here softened by Italian mannerist influences, with echoes of early 17th century Tuscan painting. Pieter de Witte in fact lived for a period of his life in Italy, documented permanently in Florence, so much so that his name was Italianised as Pietro il Candido, precisely to recall his long artistic experience in the Bel Paese.

The conservation condition of the work appears to be excellent, with some old restoration work, and the pictorial layer does not show any problems.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

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