Pair Of Religious Paintings In Their Original Frames. Central Italy, 17th Century.

We are offering for sale, as a pair, these fascinating devotional paintings, depicting Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Francis of Assisi, respectively.

The paintings are mounted on their contemporary frames, crafted by renowned artisans in central Italy during the first half of the 17th century. The original lacquer reproduces a turquoise marbling, while the corners are finished in gold leaf with fine engravings of plant racemes.

The paintings depict the saints in their moments of divine ecstasy, depicted full-length, flanked by their attributes, and immersed in wooded and rocky landscapes to amplify the contemplative dimension of the moment of divine revelation.

The paintings come from a private chapel in a historic Umbrian palace and have never been relined or restored. They are on their original canvas, with numerous fire-branded liturgical markings visible on the back.

Obviously, uncleaned canvases show layers of dirt from dust and time. Layers of varnish and shellac are also visible. These were used in ancient times to strengthen the color and refresh the canvases, but over time, oxidation contributes to the darkening of the original paint layer.

Canvases measure 63 x 85 cm - including frame 88 x 110 cm.

We include a certificate of authenticity with the sale.