Religious Artefact by a Follower of Heemskerck (1498-1574)

A very interesting and archaic religious piece depicting the twelve apostles, painted on vellum and laid to a wooden panel.

It has been suggested that the artist was a follower of Maarten van Heemskerck (1498-1574). It is certainly an ancient piece and we believe that it could be late 16th to early 17th Century.

It has an Italianate feel which is in keeping with Heemskerck since he studied in Italy. The condition is good with some wear commensurate with its age.

Overall, an intriguing, rare piece.

Maarten van Heemskerck or Marten Jacobsz Heemskerk van Veen was a Dutch portrait and religious painter, who spent most of his career in Haarlem.
He was a pupil of Jan van Scorel, and adopted his teacher’s Italian-influenced style. He spent the years 1532–36 in Italy.
Born: 1 June 1498, Heemskerk, Netherlands
Died: 1 October 1574 (age 76 years), Haarlem, Netherlands
Periods: Mannerism, Dutch Golden Age
Patron(s): Cornelis Muys, Haarlem council, Delft Council.