The Angel of the Fountain: Venitian Allegory, School of Lambert Sustris (1515-1584)

This compelling Italian Old Master painting depicts a dynamic, multi-colored winged angel—possibly the Archangel Gabriel—descending from a celestial cloudscape.

The figure is rendered with the fluid brushwork and rich palette characteristic of the Venetian tradition, reminiscent of the style of Paolo Veronese or Tintoretto. More specifically, this work has been attributed to the school of Lambert Sustris (1515-1584), a Dutch born painter who lived in Venice and worked many years in Titian's studio, before setting up an art practice of his own.

The painting has an interesting provenance, from the Italian collection of Detlev von Hadeln (1878-1935), a German art historian who spent his whole life in Italy.

The angel reaches toward a meticulously detailed classical garden. Central to the composition is a prominent, tiered marble fountain set against a lush landscape that stretches toward a distant horizon and a low, atmospheric sun. The interplay of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) adds a sense of Baroque drama and divine presence to the scene.

The canvas shows natural aging consistent with 300+ years of history, including a visible weave and some historic re-lining.

Painting features a fine craquelure throughout, adding to its authentic antique character.

Rich ochres, deep blues, and subtle pinks, though darkened by age, suggest a high-quality original pigment use typical of 17th-century Italian workshops.

Dimensions: 47cm x 30,5cm.