Description:


Italian School, 16th Century
Crucifixion
oil on canvas
This 16th-century devotional piece was commissioned by an early modern lay confraternity dedicated to self-flagellation and to performing works of charity and assistance. The painting was likely taken from a private lay confraternity chapel or group meeting house somewhere in Northern or Central Italy.

The large-scale work is divided into two major scenes. The top features Jesus at the time of his Crucifixion, and his mother, the Virgin Mary, fainting among some of her female relations (on the left) and other mourning bystanders (Mary Magdalene at his feet) and angels—a common group scene representing parts of the Passion of Christ.

The lower central area features a fantastical "sacred conversation" (sacra conversazione) among selected saints from different places and eras who would have served as models for their congregants, from left to right: St. Francis (San Francesco, 13th c.) in a Franciscan habit; Saint Catherine of Siena (Santa Caterina da Siena, 14th. c) or possibly Saint Claire (Santa Chiara, 13th c.); Saint Nicholas of Bari (San Nicola with a gold plate in hand in bishop attire, 4th c.); the central figure appears to be Saint Laurence (San Lorenzo, 3rd c., with whips hanging around his neck); immediately on his right would be the donor—the older, wealthier and otherwise non-saintly yet extremely devotional man active in this confraternity of flagellants (battuti); St. Vincent of Saragossa (San Vincenzo da Saragozza, 3rd c.); the final saint also resembles St. Laurence.

Below the imaginary saintly conversation, we have various penitents kneeling and praying around both sides of the saints' feet (about 10–11 confraternity members total are present). One of them on the left displays his back to us—dramatically featuring its bloody and torn flesh through a circle strategically and centrally cut-out on the back area of his hooded habit, exactly where his whips would have hit his own back.

It has been suggested to have been painted in the manner of Nicolò Martinelli called Trometta (Pesaro 1535—Rome 1611) who had been a follower of Federico Barocci of Urbino (1535-1612).

We are grateful to Elizabeth Bernhardt for her assistance in cataloguing this lot.

  • Dimensions: 85 x 49 inches
  • Medium: oil on canvas

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

We do not maintain an in-house shipping department, After payment is received you will be contacted by a third party shipper with a shipping quote within 72 hours.

June 12, 2021 10:00 AM CDT
St. Louis, MO, US

Link Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000