Christ and the Disciples at Emmaus: a brilliant landscape composition

(1589 Antwerp – 1626 same place, respectively 1581 Antwerp – 1642 same place) attributed; Landscape with Christ and the Disciples from Emmaus. A view of a wooded Flemish ideal landscape with a tunnel-like path through the forest, with a light source in the foreground. In the center of the painting is a small-scale picturesque group of figures: Christ with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, an approaching man in reverence, and two standing men (or soldiers) holding spears. Carefully executed details of foliage on the trees and flowers in the foreground, as well as the finely layered cabinet-like composition, refer to the Flemish master Abraham Govaerts in terms of motif, composition, and style. He was one of the respected landscape painters of Antwerp, influenced by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Gillis van Coninxloo III. He became a master of the guild in 1607 and was elected its chairman in 1623. In the arrangement of figures, he often collaborated with other significant artists, especially Frans Francken the Younger, as was customary in Antwerp painting of the 16th century. Oil on copper panel. 23.5 cm x 31 cm. In a frame. Attributed to Abraham Govaerts (1589–1626) and Frans Francken the Younger (1581–1642).