Artwork

Ange à l'encensoir vêtu d'une robe pourpre

Ange à l'encensoir vêtu d'une robe pourpre, by Bernhard Strigel, oil, 1520
Ange à l'encensoir vêtu d'une robe pourpre, by Bernhard Strigel, oil, 1520

Ange à l'encensoir vêtu d'une robe pourpre is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Bernhard Strigel. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

About this work

Overview

Ange à l'encensoir vêtu d'une robe pourpre is a 1520 oil painting by Bernhard Strigel, a prominent figure of the Swabian school within the Northern Renaissance. The work exemplifies Strigel's characteristic blend of religious themes and meticulous detail.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts an angel seated in contemplative pose, clad in a purple robe, with large white wings edged in red. Holding a golden object (likely an incense burner, or encensoir) and adopting a introspective demeanor, the angel embodies serenity and quiet reflection. The blurred face and downward gaze enhance the sense of calm contemplation.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work showcases Strigel's Northern Renaissance style, marked by vivid coloration and attention to detail. Warm hues, particularly in the angel's robe and the golden object, contrast against a dark green, landscaped background, contributing to the overall serene atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1520, the painting is associated with Strigel's period of favor with Emperor Maximilian I. It is currently part of the Louvre Abu Dhabi's collection, highlighting its recognized artistic and historical value.

Context

As a religious work by Strigel, Ange à l'encensoir reflects the Northern Renaissance's emphasis on detailed, emotionally nuanced religious art. Its style and theme place it within the broader context of early 16th-century European religious painting.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this piece on the broader art historical canon are not prominently documented, it remains a characteristic example of Strigel's output and the Swabian school's contribution to the Northern Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Bernhard Strigel

Artist

Bernhard Strigel

Bernhard Strigel (c. 1461 – 4 May 1528) was a German portrait and historical painter of the Swabian school, the most important of a family of artists established at Memmingen. He was born at Memmingen and was probably a…

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Museum

Louvre Abu Dhabi

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Louvre Abu Dhabi open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.