The Chirk Cabinet: Christ and the Centurion
studio of Frans Francken II (Antwerp 1581 - Antwerp 1642)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1640 - circa 1650
Materials
Oil on copper
Measurements
390 x 265 mm
Order this imageCollection
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
NT 1170769.5
Summary
Oil painting on copper, The Chirk Cabinet: Christ and the Centurion, studio of Frans Francken II (Antwerp 1581 - Antwerp 1642), circa 1640-50. The panel shows a scene related in Matthew 8: 5-13, Luke 7:1-10 and John 4: 46 - 54. It may that it is the latter version being depicted whereby Christ has just entered Cana. An armoured Roman soldier, on the right, kneels at the feet of Christ entreating him to treat his sick servant who lives in Capernaum. Christ's disciples stand behind him on the left.
Provenance
Traditionally said to have been given by Charles II to Sir Thomas II Myddelton (1586 - 1666) in 1661 in thanks for his role in the restoration of the monarchy, and thence by descent; purchased by the National Trust from Captain David Myddelton, 1993, with the help of grants of £100,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, of £50,000 from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and of £35,000 from the Art Fund (then called the National Art Collections Fund).
Credit line
Chirk Castle, The Myddelton Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
studio of Frans Francken II (Antwerp 1581 - Antwerp 1642) , artist Flemish School, artist
References
Jervis, 1993: Simon Jervis, Cabinets in Britain, Grosvenor House Antiques Fair Handbook, London, 1993, pp.26-27.