Bidspirit auction | Frans II. Francken: The Barber's

Frans II. Francken: The Barber's Shop - FRANCKEN , FRANS II. 1581 Antwerp–1642 Antwerp Title: The Barber's Shop. Subtitle: Alongside a barber who is currently cutting the hair of a gentleman in a white coat, men in armour are discussing matters in front of chests and sacks containing coins and gold goblets. Date: 1630s. Technique: Oil on copper. Measurement: 24 x 31cm. Notation: Signed lower right: Do FFrank IN (...). Frame: Framed. In this painting, Frans Francken immerses us in the hustle and bustle of a busy barber’s shop, depicting everyday life in the early 17th century. Yet, as is so often the case with this artist, the narrative serves merely as a vehicle for conveying a much deeper meaning. On the right of the picture we see the barber, at work with a pair of scissors in his hand; in the background sit two tailors, also handling their tools and without any jewellery or signs of luxury. Opposite them is a row of elegantly dressed gentlemen, engaged in discussion, with a veritable treasure trove of gold at their feet – and likewise with a pair of scissors in their hands. However, these are much larger scissors, through the ring of which a money bag is threaded. In her expert report, Härting discusses the content of this allegorical depiction and writes on the significance of the small and large scissors: ”(...) No fortune can be amassed with small scissors.” The small copper plate thus depicts an allegorical representation of the contrast between destitute craftsmen and omnipresent wealth. Francken has explored this theme in several versions. ”(...) For this present, expanded composition, an extended interpretation suggests itself, characteristic of the innovative, creative master Frans II. Hij heeft doek trekken door het oog van een schaar: pulling a piece of cloth through the eye of a pair of scissors. It signifies making an unfair profit. It is precisely this motif that is depicted here by the figure standing at the front, one of the three well-to-do gentlemen. All interpretations of the previously known versions can also be applied here. The painting on the wall elucidates the overarching meaning of Frans II’s newly conceived, richly symbolic composition: the mask of the world is unveiled, evil escapes from it, and monstrous creatures rush out into the world.” Through the mediation of VAN HAM, the heirs of Franz Petschek have reached an amicable agreement with the consignors regarding the sale. The painting is offered free of any claims and will be auctioned . Provenance: - Private ownership, Germany; Union Berlin auction, 28.05.1941, Lot 313, from the Petschek Collection, Aussig. Literature: U. Härting: Frans Francken der Jüngere (1581-1642). Die Gemälde mit kritischem Oeuvrekatalog, Freren 1989, cat. rais. no. 355 with ill. Appraisal: Ursula Härting, Hamm, 01.03.2026. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Inland: 36.97 Euro plus 7.02 Euro VAT EU: 58.82 Euro plus 11.18 Euro VAT Third country: 100.84 Euro plus 19.16 Euro VAT additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: max. 41.65 Euro over a total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: 1.8 o/oo USA by individual arrangement after the auction. #Frans II. Francken #Flemish School #Flanders #17th C. #Allegory #Handcraft #Old Masters.