Oil on wood
Germany, presumably 1529
Circle of Hans Baldung Grien (1484/85-1545) – German painter and etcher
Later applied monogram and date in the lower left „HB 1529“
Counterpart to the panel „Kneeling Angel with Rod and Scourge“ that has been art technologically analyzed in 2000 by Jens Klocke and safely attributed to Hans Baldung Grien – see picture with both panel paintings at the photo section
Overall dimensions, framed: 42 x 49 cm, Dimensions of the panel: 26 x 33 cm
Good condition
Provenance: German private collection
A piece for the scientists among the collectors, as with some time and intensive research this work – like its counterpart – could be classified more precisely. The current estimate reflects the value of an old master painting of the period, yet without further certainty about the artist

The panel at hand shows an angel presenting three instruments of Christ‘s passion and has been attributed to the circle of Hans Baldung Grien. The panel is the counterpart to another one showing a “Kneeling Angel with Rod and Scourge“ that comes from the left. The panel with the “Kneeling Angel with Rod and Scourge“ has been art technologically analyzed in 2000 by Jens Klocke in Hildesheim and could be safely attributed to Hans Baldung Grien. Both panels have presumably been sawn out of a large painting with Christ in its center and two more angels presenting the rest of the instruments.



The angel on the panel at hand is dressed in an elaborate red garment and floats into the scene from the right side, presenting the instruments of passion in his hands. In his right hand he holds tongs, in his left a hammer and the holy sponge set on a reed. A wafting sash underlines the impression of the floatation that the angel gives. His delicately painted face is turned towards the direction of Christ and it bears a passionate expression; a tear can even be seen in his eye. He corresponds in posture and movement with the angel of the other panel that has been attributed to Baldung Grien. Both panels are also equal in terms of quality.



The panel is in good condition. It shows some minor colour touch-ups, mainly in the area of the angel’s center of the body and its neck. The colour layer has been protected by a layer of varnish. Minor traces of framing can be seen around the edges. The painting is framed in a beautiful wooden frame that shows only small traces of age and use. The overall dimensions, framed, are 42 x 49 cm, the dimensions of the panel are 26 x 33 cm.



Hans Baldung Grien (1484/85-1545) and his Circle

Hans Baldung Grien received his education with Albrecht Dürer in Nuremberg, where he gained his surname Grien, meaning „The Green“ (presumably because he mainly wore green). He was one of Dürer’s most important scholars and even chosen to lead the workshop when the master was absent. Baldung moved to Strasburg in 1510 where he was allowed to open his own workshop. He created many of his major works there, even though he left the city in between 1512-16 to go to Freiburg where he painted the main altar of the Munster. Next to religious themes, his oeuvre includes worldly and mythological topics and he was one of the first to introduce erotic and supernatural themes, mainly depictions of witches, into the German painting.

Baldung had returned to Strasburg in 1517 and became a successful painter and a respected citizen. He was even elected a juryman and alderman of the city. Thanks to his great success it can be safely assumed that he had a great number of scholars, followers and admirers that worked in his style.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.