17th Century French School, Saint Claude Blessing A Child

Gouache on parchment (13 x 9 cm without frame, 20 x 16.5 cm with frame), in its glazed frame of carved and gilded wood. The scene represents Saint Claude of Besançon, bishop of the 6th century, depicted in pontifical robes: richly decorated miter and cope, his hands gloved in blue. He holds a cross with two crossbars (archiepiscopal cross), a distinctive attribute of his status, while he blesses a child. In the background, a village landscape with its church, which recalls the roots of this saint in the rural and popular tradition of Franche-Comté and Burgundy. This delicate gouache on parchment, rare for its time, testifies to the piety and religious art of France in the 17th century, where the iconography of Saint Claude enjoyed great diffusion due to his reputation as protector of children and families. Documented provenance: – Collection of Mr. Charles-Antoine Gros (acquired in 1930 from his aunt, Louise Poisot). – Public sale, Chalon-sur-Saône, June 18, 1989, acquired by Jacques Michel. – Private collection, Beaune.