Description
The painting "The Visitation" by the Flemish artist Willem Van Herp is a masterpiece depicting the meeting between the Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, as described in the Gospel of Luke. The painting was created in the 17th century and measures 85 x 121 cm.
Van Herp's artistic style in this work is baroque, clearly influenced by the Italian masters of the time. The composition is very dynamic and full of movement, with the figures of María and Isabel in the foreground and a landscape in the background that extends to the horizon.
The colors used in the painting are vibrant and rich, with warm tones accentuating the feeling of warmth and love felt in the scene. Light also plays an important role in the work, illuminating the main figures and creating dramatic shadows across the landscape.
One of the curiosities of this painting is that Van Herp did not include the figure of Saint John the Baptist, who normally appears in representations of the Visitation. Instead, the artist chose to depict two women accompanying Isabel, which has led to speculation about their identity.
Another interesting aspect of the painting is its history. The work was part of the collection of the Spanish royal family for several centuries, and was later sold to a private collector in the 19th century. In 2008, the painting was auctioned at Christie's for more than 1 million euros.
In short, Willem Van Herp's "The Visitation" is a stunning work of art that combines a dynamic baroque style with a rich color palette and dramatic composition. Its history and the little-known details of the work make it a fascinating piece for lovers of art and history.