Bonifacio Bembo - Two Pairs of Portraits in Gothic architectural Surrounds - image-1
Bonifacio Bembo - Two Pairs of Portraits in Gothic architectural Surrounds - image-2
Bonifacio Bembo - Two Pairs of Portraits in Gothic architectural Surrounds - image-1Bonifacio Bembo - Two Pairs of Portraits in Gothic architectural Surrounds - image-2

Lot 1502 Dα

Bonifacio Bembo - Two Pairs of Portraits in Gothic architectural Surrounds

Auction 1185 - overview Cologne
20.11.2021, 11:00 - Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture 14th - 19th C.
Estimate: 20.000 € - 30.000 €

Bonifacio Bembo

Two Pairs of Portraits in Gothic architectural Surrounds

Tempera on poplar panel, parquetted and the pairs mounted together in a modern frame. 72 x 45 cm each.

According to present knowledge, the panels originate from a decorative cycle of works painted for a nunnery in Cremona, which was closed down in the 16th century. The existence of numerous other paintings of the same size and compositional scheme now scattered throughout various private collections and museums has lead to the conclusion that it was an extensive decorative programme. This assumption is further supported by the repeating forms of the painted architectural surrounds as well as the lack of variation in the facial features of the male and female sitters depicted in the works, which can be dated to around 1460/1470.

Provenance

Presumably Abbey of Santa Colomba, Cremona. - Collection of Franz von Lenbach, Munich. - Christina Haubs art dealers, Munich 2011. - South German private collection.

Literature

For more information on the series: R. Aglio: Le tavolette da soffito del Monastero della Colomba a Cremona. In: Arte Lombarda Centoquarantacinque 2005/3. - With reference to further literature.