Provenance

Anton W.M. Mensing

Dutch, 1866 - 1936

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See all 29 works of art
This is a painting of a group of figures engaged in a gathering or conversation. The illustration depicts an intimate scene, where a collection of haloed figures sit closely together, some holding books or scrolls. The figures are dressed in robes of various colors, predominantly reds, blues, and whites, with some of the individuals showing expressions of focus and engagement. There is a structural backdrop with vertical columns, suggesting an interior setting. The style resembles an illuminated medieval manuscript, with detailed and vivid depictions of religious or communal scenes. The color palettes and outlines add to the medieval and narrative quality of this piece.
German 15th Century, The Death of the Virgin, 1480/1490, woodcut in brown, hand-colored in red lake, green,vermilion, brown, yellow, tan, and gold, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.837

The Death of the Virgin

German 15th Century · 1480/1490 · woodcut in brown, hand-colored in red lake, green,vermilion, brown, yellow, tan, and gold ·  Accession ID  1943.3.837

The image shows three male figures and a central female figure from the waist up, seated in a triangular arrangement. The two male figures on the sides extend their right arms towards the female figure's head, holding parts of a crown above her head. Both men have halos. The figure on the left has shoulder-length brown hair and a beard, and the figure on the right has gray hair and a beard. They are dressed in long robes, with the left figure in a brown robe and the right figure in a deep red mantle over a green garment. The central female figure has long blond hair and wears a blue and gold robe over a beige dress, with a halo over her head. An additional figure, likely a dove with outstretched wings, is seen above the crown in the sky. The background is off-white with a hint of blue, enclosed in an orange border.
German 15th Century, The Coronation of the Virgin, 1480/1490, woodcut in brown, hand-colored in red lake, blue, tan, green, rose, gold, orange, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.797

The Coronation of the Virgin

German 15th Century · 1480/1490 · woodcut in brown, hand-colored in red lake, blue, tan, green, rose, gold, orange ·  Accession ID  1943.3.797

This is a drawing of an angel holding a banner with a heart symbol. The image features a central figure with curly hair and wings, dressed in robes. The figure holds a banner with a large heart with the letters "IHS" inscribed on it, pierced by an arrow. There is text at the bottom in an old style of script. The background includes elements suggestive of an ethereal or heavenly setting, such as clouds and a border. The style of the artwork appears to have a religious or spiritual theme, reminiscent of illustrations from historical or medieval texts, with muted and earthy colors typical of earlier illustrative works.
German 15th Century, Sacred Monogram in a Sacred Heart on a Cloth Held by an Angel, c. 1480, woodcut, hand-colored in red, green, yellow, gold,and orange, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.802

Sacred Monogram in a Sacred Heart on a Cloth Held by an Angel

German 15th Century · c. 1480 · woodcut, hand-colored in red, green, yellow, gold,and orange ·  Accession ID  1943.3.802

This is a drawing showing a scene with a figure holding a sword above their head and another figure kneeling. The standing figure has a drawn sword, wearing a pointed hat, while the kneeling figure is dressed in a long robe with clasped hands and a serene expression. The kneeling figure has a halo around their head. The background is suggested with simple sketched lines, framed in red.
German 15th Century, Martyrdom of a Saint, c. 1480, woodcut, hand-colored in red lake, green, yellow, blue, rose, gold, and orange, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.800

Martyrdom of a Saint

German 15th Century · c. 1480 · woodcut, hand-colored in red lake, green, yellow, blue, rose, gold, and orange ·  Accession ID  1943.3.800

The image shows three figures in a medieval style. In the center, a person is on a cross. The person has mid-length hair, a crown of thorns, minimal clothing, and a cloth around their waist. On the left, a figure with a halo and flowing robe. On the right, another figure with a halo, holding what looks like a book, dressed in a cloak. Below the cross, there is a skull and a bone on the ground. The background has a blue sky, green foreground, and a red and orange frame.
German 15th Century, Christ on the Cross, 1480/1490, hand-colored woodcut with tarnished silver (or gold alloy?) leaf on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.488

Christ on the Cross

German 15th Century · 1480/1490 · hand-colored woodcut with tarnished silver (or gold alloy?) leaf on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.488

This is a painting of an angel reaching down to figures enveloped in flames. The image portrays an angelic figure extending a hand toward a group of anguished figures in a fiery setting. The figures show expressions of distress, with some hands clasped in gestures of supplication. The background is minimal, focusing on the interaction and the contrast between the flames and the angel's attire. This artwork is done in the style of medieval religious iconography.
German 15th Century, Purgatory, c. 1480, woodcut, hand-colored in orange, red lake, green, yellow, and gold, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.638

Purgatory

German 15th Century · c. 1480 · woodcut, hand-colored in orange, red lake, green, yellow, and gold ·  Accession ID  1943.3.638

This is a painting of a landscape scene with a figure holding a staff and a child by a body of water. The painting depicts a tall figure dressed in elaborate robes and a large headdress, which is enhanced by intricate patterns and vibrant red and blue hues. The figure holds a staff. To the left of the figure, a child is shown seated on the grass near a small pool of blue water. The child reaches towards the water. The background reveals gentle green hills and a few leafless trees. There is a castle structure to the right, colored in pastel hues. The painting is bordered by an orange frame. This is in style of medieval or early Renaissance art.
German 15th Century, Saint Augustine, 1480/1490, woodcut, hand-colored in red lake, black, blue, green, yellow, gold, and orange, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.825

Saint Augustine

German 15th Century · 1480/1490 · woodcut, hand-colored in red lake, black, blue, green, yellow, gold, and orange ·  Accession ID  1943.3.825

This is a painting of a religious scene featuring floral and avian motifs. The image depicts a figure in a purple robe with a cross on their back, surrounded by other figures in colorful robes. The painting is enclosed within an ornate border featuring vibrant flowers and a bird. The floral motifs include red, blue, and white blossoms, with a small bird perched on a green vine at the bottom of the frame. The style is reminiscent of medieval European religious art, with earthy tones and gold accents throughout.
German 15th Century, Christ Bearing the Cross, c. 1500, woodcut, hand-colored in mauve, red, blue, green, ochre, yellow, black, white, and gold, on vellum, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.473

Christ Bearing the Cross

German 15th Century · c. 1500 · woodcut, hand-colored in mauve, red, blue, green, ochre, yellow, black, white, and gold, on vellum ·  Accession ID  1943.3.473

The drawing depicts a group of figures with golden halos in repose. The style is reminiscent of medieval woodcut illustrations, with simplified anatomy and thick dark outlines. The figures are set against a background of solid colors like green and yellow.
German 15th Century, Four Martyrs - Saint Acacius, c. 1480, woodcut in brown, hand-colored in yellow, green, red, and tan-gray, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.635

Four Martyrs - Saint Acacius

German 15th Century · c. 1480 · woodcut in brown, hand-colored in yellow, green, red, and tan-gray ·  Accession ID  1943.3.635

This image features two figures in an ornate interior. One figure stands with long hair, wearing a patterned robe and a large halo or headpiece. They face a seated figure on a throne, dressed in red. The room has detailed architectural elements, including an arched ceiling with patterns. An object resembling a blue candlestick sits on a table or platform nearby. The image is encased in an orange-red frame.
German 15th Century, The Virgin in a Robe Embroidered with Ears of Corn, c. 1470/1480, woodcut, hand-colored in gray, rose, yellow, red, blue, green, gold, and orange, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.823

The Virgin in a Robe Embroidered with Ears of Corn

German 15th Century · c. 1470/1480 · woodcut, hand-colored in gray, rose, yellow, red, blue, green, gold, and orange ·  Accession ID  1943.3.823

Bibliography

1937

  • "The Mensing Pictures: A Famous Amsterdam Collection in the Saleroom." Art News 37 (October 1938): 15+

1995

  • Taub, Lisa. "'Canned Astronomy' versus Cultural Credibility: The acquisition of the Mensing Collection by the Adler Palnetarium." Journal of the History of Collections 7, no. 2 (1995):243-250.

2004

  • Mörzer Bruyns, Willem F.J. "Frederik Muller & Co. and Anton Mensing: The first international art auction house in Amsterdam, and its director." Quaerendo 34, no. 3-4 (2004): 211-239