Flemish master of the 16th century Circle of Quentin Metsys (Leuven, 1466 – Antwerp, 1530) Ecce Homo oil on panel (cm 34 x 23 - with a non-coeval frame of the 19th century cm 47 x 37) Important painting on panel, depicting the intense face of the suffering Christ crowned with thorns, in the most traditional iconography of the Ecce Homo, one of the most representative Christian depictions in ancient painting, which saw Flemish painters emerge for their intensity and dramatic realism. The painting reveals typological and formal characteristics derived from the Northern European tradition of the 16th century, showing particular affinities with the works of the Flemish painter Quentin Massys (or Metsijs), founder of the Antwerp School and one of the greatest Flemish interpreters of this subject; We can mention, among the many works, his Ecce Homo dating back to 1516 and currently kept at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dunkerque (see details) *https://collections.musees-dunkerque.eu/fr/notice/ba-p-190-le-christ-cb75e188-ada2-41df-b588-77a0ed8a790d Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dunkerque Compared to this model, the work in question exhibits a more robust workmanship and denser layers of color which, in our opinion, lead to a rather late dating of the 16th century. The Christ, whose figure emerges against a dark background, is depicted with his head framed by a luminous reflection, on which the crown of intertwined thorns is placed. The gaze is dull, with half-closed, reddened eyes, in a resigned attitude and disfigured by pain, furrowed by tears and drops of blood. Important, in this painting, is the study of the expression and the gaze of Christ, with his eyes turned downwards, as a sign of pain, full of a pathos capable of transmitting to the viewer the suffering of this episode of the Passion. The Ecce Homo is the evangelical episode during which Jesus, awaiting his condemnation, after the flagellation, is presented to the people by Pontius Pilate, then Roman governor of Judea. The expression literally means 'Behold the Man', and was the phrase spoken by Pilate to designate the suffering of Jesus scourged and crowned with thorns. The face suggests that the author certainly carefully studied the works of other artists for physiognomy, that is, the discipline that sought to study the character of people based on their physical appearance, and whether there were any relationships between appearance and character. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold complete with a wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes about 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the whole phase until obtaining it. All costs of this operation are included. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on : INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/