The Conversion Of Saint Paul, Italian School (xviii), Follower Of Antonio Tempesta (1555–1630)

Italian School (XVIII) Follower of Antonio Tempesta (1555–1630)

Title: The Conversion of St. Paul

Date: 18th Century

Medium: Oil on canvas

Provenance: From a private London collection.

Measurements: overall measurements with the frame are 61cm x 57 x 3cm and the painting itself measured at 52cm x 47cm.

The present work depicts a scene from the Bible commonly known as the conversion of Paul. The conversion of Paul the Apostle (also the Pauline conversion, Damascene conversion, Damascus Christophany and Paul's transformation on the road to Damascus) was, according to the New Testament, an event in the life of Saul/Paul the Apostle that led him to cease persecuting early Christians and to become a follower of Jesus.

Paul had persecuted Christians in Jerusalem but was struck down on the road to Damascus by a vision of Christ, who asked him why. Paul was blinded, and Christ sent a man to restore his sight. He was then baptised and set out to preach Christ’s word. The present work depicts the dramatic moment of terror when the skies split open and heaven was revealed. Paul’s horse rolls to the ground, taking him with it.

Stylistically, the present work is distinctly of the Roman school but also shows a bit of a Flemish influence, hence the connection with the work of Antonio Tempesta, an Italian artist who was influenced by the work of the Flemish school of artists. The wonderfully theatrical composition is masterfully executed and wonderfully pleasing.

Antonio Tempesta, also called il Tempestino (1555 – 5 August 1630), was an Italian painter and engraver, whose art acted as a point of connection between Baroque Rome and the culture of Antwerp. Much of his work depicts major battles and historical figures.

He was born and trained in Florence and painted in a variety of styles, influenced to some degree by "Counter-Maniera" or Counter-Mannerism. He enrolled in the Florentine Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in 1576. He was a pupil of Santi di Tito, then of the Flemish painter Joannes Stradanus. He was part of the large team of artists working under Giorgio Vasari on the interior decoration of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

His favourite subjects were battles, cavalcades, and processions. He relocated to Rome, where he associated with artists from the Habsburg Netherlands, which may have led to his facility with landscape painting.

Tempesta received his earliest artistic training at Florence’s Accademia del Disegno, first studying under Santi di Tito and soon after apprenticing with Giorgio Vasari on designs for the Palazzo Vecchio. He then headed to Rome, where he contributed to decoration at the Vatican Palace along with several prominent private dwellings, including the Villa Lante in Bagnaia (1578-1579) and the Villa Farnese in Caprarola (1579-1583).

In addition to his vivacious imagery that drew themes from mythology and the classical world, Tempesta is also celebrated for his marvelous 12-plate Plan of the City of Rome. Initially published in 1593, Tempesta’s map provided one of the most detailed interpretations of Rome of his day.

Condition report. The painting is in good overall condition for its antiquity. The original canvas has been laid down onto a new canvas we estimate to be circa 1970 and possibly a wax lining method. The stretcher bars were evidently renewed at that time . The canvas is in good tension . There has been some restoration and intervention with areas of retouching predominately to the background and retouching throughout but well blended. The paint surface is stable with craquelure commensurate with the paintings age throughout .

The contemporary frame is offered as a gift see note below regarding frames.

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