Francisco de Osona (1465 – 1514), Attributed to - Natività

Francisco de Osona (Valencia, 1465 – 1514), attr. Nativity Oil on panel, 89 x 59 cm With frame, 99 x 69 cm In a suggestive setting, sheltered by a grand Renaissance loggia of clearly Italian inspiration opening onto a green landscape, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph kneel in prayer before the Child laid on the ground. Behind them, two shepherds observe the scene: one of them points to the Child to his companion, while a donkey and an ox assist from the left-hand arch. The presence of Saint Joseph holding a lit candle alludes to the visions of Saint Bridget of Sweden, according to which the divine light emanating from the Child would seek to extinguish the flame of the candle. With the exception of the Virgin and the Child, depicted with exquisite elegance and delicacy, the other figures display more pronounced and realistic features, in keeping with their social status. This approach reflects the Nordic influences prevailing in Valencian workshops at the end of the 15th century, also evident in the way heavy drapery is treated, with its broken folds. The panel in question is indeed attributable to the Valencian painter Francisco de Osona (Valencia, 1465-1514), son of Rodrigo de Osona (Valencia, 1440-1518). Died young, Francisco, together with his father, was one of the most important proponents of the Renaissance in Spain. The two worked closely in the family workshop, and therefore works are often attributed to both. His artistic formation, in particular the acquisition of Flemish models, most likely occurred in his native city, given the presence of a renowned Bruges family of painters: Louis Alincbrot, the progenitor of this family, was active in Valencia from 1439 until his death, between 1460 and 1463. He was succeeded by his son Jordi Alincbrot, also trained in Bruges, documented in Valencia between 1463 and 1481. The Osona workshop was influenced by the painting style of Bartolomé Bermejo, who settled in Valencia before Francisco was born. The collaboration between Bermejo and the Osonas is attested in 1485, when Bermejo returned to Valencia after his Aragonese period. On that occasion, Francisco and Rodrigo Osona took care of the two side panels and the grisaille reverses of the Montserrat Virgin Polyptych in Acqui Terme Cathedral, in the province of Alessandria. In addition to Flemish influence, Francisco de Osona was also permeated by the models of Italian Renaissance painters who had settled in Valencia since 1472, such as Paolo de San Leocadio, known as Paolo da Reggio, and Francesco Pagano. Francisco and his father Rodrigo were among the first to be fascinated and influenced by the innovations of the Italian Renaissance style, wisely combined with the realism of Flemish art, which was then widespread on the Iberian Peninsula. Their paintings reveal a preference for representations that emphasize devotion, manifested through gentleness and sweetness, rather than adhering to a perception of reality based on rigor and sobriety. Nevertheless, there emerges meticulous care in defining natural and architectural backgrounds, highlighting superb mastery in the use of oil painting. Another interesting element that increases the value and charm of this panel is the presence of the monogram “M” on the Virgin’s mantle: it could be suggested, in fact, that the crown motif, accompanied by the letter “M”, actually indicates the panel’s origin from the Clarisses convent of Santa Chiara in Valencia. This institution was transferred from Gandía to Valencia in 1458 by the orders of Queen Maria of Castile (1401-1458), wife of Alfonso V, King of Aragon and Valencia, often indicated by the Marian monogram “M” surmounted by the crown. The frame is provided as a courtesy gift, therefore it cannot be a reason for return or complaint. For paintings purchased abroad: after payment, the procedure to obtain an export license (ALC) will be started. All antique pieces sent abroad from Italy require this document, issued by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The procedure could take 3 to 5 weeks from the request, so as soon as we have the document the painting will be shipped.

Estimate:$7,809.62

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