Interior of the Cathedral of Antwerp, Flemish school painting of the 18th century

Flemish school of the second half of the 18th century. Oil painting on canvas of fine pictorial quality depicting the interior of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp. The observer's point of view, slightly raised compared to that of the faithful, allows one to observe the interior of the central nave, with the iconostasis at the back and beyond the presbytery, the choir and the apse with large windows. In the space described in detail there are some characters that animate the composition. These are the faithful, religious figures, in the foreground some nobles and, on the left, a poor beggar. The Cathedral of Our Lady is today the largest cathedral in Belgium and the main place of Catholic worship in the Flemish city of Antwerp and is one of the greatest masterpieces of the Gothic style. There are several Flemish painters who between the 16th and 18th centuries represented the interior of the nave of the cathedral of Antwerp. Among these are Paul Vredeman De Vries, Peeter I Neeffs, Peeter II Neeffs, James Goodwyn Clonney, Sebastiaan Vrancx, Hendrik van Steenwijck II. The author of this painting must be sought among these painters and their circle. Stylistically, the painting is very close to the numerous canvases of the Antwerp painter Peter Neef (1753-1796), which lacks authentication. He specialized in the representation of highly detailed church interiors, whose figures were often executed in collaboration with other artists. Scenic 20th century frame in carved and gilded wood, with some signs of aging. Painting already restored with relining, replacement of the frame and recoloring in small spots. Overall in excellent condition. Sight size H 124 x W 161 cm.