Painting of the Holy family by Jordaens sells for €1.8 million

The Holy Family with an Angel by Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678) was the top lot at Christie’s Old Masters evening sale in London last week.

Jordaens succeeded Rubens as the leading painter in Antwerp in 1640. In this work his use of realistic models, the rustic presentation of religious subjects, and dramatic use of light and shade point to the influence of Caravaggio.

It sold for £1.8 million. Bidders from 28 countries took part in the auction. It has been a great year for Old Masters at Christie’s with global sales of around £147 million.