Italian Old Master Painting of Saint Mark the Evangelist with Lion, 1680–1750

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Italian Old Master Painting of Saint Mark the Evangelist with Lion, Oil on Canvas, Late 17th–Early 18th Century

This refined … Read more Italian Old Master Painting of Saint Mark the Evangelist with Lion, Oil on Canvas, Late 17th–Early 18th Century

This refined Italian Old Master devotional painting depicts Saint Mark the Evangelist, identifiable through his canonical attributes: the haloed figure, open Gospel book, quill pen, and the lion emerging at his shoulder. Executed in oil on canvas, the work exemplifies a well-established iconographic tradition associated particularly with Venice, where Saint Mark served as patron saint and spiritual emblem.

The saint is shown in three-quarter profile, absorbed in the act of writing, his expression animated with intellectual focus and spiritual gravity. The open book signifies revealed scripture and active evangelism, while the quill underscores authorship of the Gospel of Mark. The lion, drawn with expressive realism and a partially animated mouth, derives from Ezekiel’s vision and symbolizes divine authority, vigilance, and resurrection. The presence of a clearly defined halo situates the image firmly within devotional rather than allegorical painting.

Stylistically, the painting reflects late 17th- to early 18th-century Italian practice, with restrained chiaroscuro, warm flesh tones, and carefully modulated drapery rendered in cool blue-green hues against a subdued ground. The intimate scale—approximately 10.5" W × 13.75" H—suggests the work was intended for private devotion or study, rather than ecclesiastical display.

The canvas is presented in a later ebonized and gilt flowerhead frame, likely 19th century, which complements the painting without asserting false contemporaneity. The surface displays expected age-related wear consistent with an Old Master work of this period, contributing to its authenticity and historical presence.

A compelling example of Italian devotional painting, this work offers strong iconographic clarity, expressive psychological depth, and enduring appeal for collectors of Old Master, religious, or Venetian-influenced art.

Overall framed dimensions: 12" W × 15.5" H See less