Master of Frankfurt
The Sacrifice of Isaac
1490s
62.5x47cm, oil on panel
The Master of Frankfurt is the name given to an anonymous Flemish Renaissance painter active in Antwerp between about 1460 and 1533. He is known for his religious paintings, which are characterized by their detailed realism and expressive figures.
The Master of Frankfurt’s real name is unknown, and his identity has been the subject of much speculation. Some scholars believe that he may have been Hendrik van Wueluwe, a painter who was active in Antwerp in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Others believe that he may have been a different artist, perhaps from another region of Europe.
The Master of Frankfurt’s earliest known work is a triptych of the Virgin and Child, which is dated to 1460. This painting is characterized by its delicate handling of color and its detailed depiction of the figures. The Master of Frankfurt’s later works are more complex and dramatic, and they often depict scenes of religious martyrdom.
The Master of Frankfurt’s paintings are characterized by their detailed realism and expressive figures. His work is highly influenced by the Italian Renaissance, but it also retains a distinctly Flemish flavor. The Master of Frankfurt’s paintings are now housed in museums and private collections all over the world such as Städel Museum, Frankfurt; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Museo National de Prado, Madrid and many others.
Provenance:
Private collection, Switzerland