Saint Lucia, 18th Century, Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed

Details

Description

Antique Oil Painting on Canvas - Saint Lucy - 17th/18th Century

of the Work: A fine antique oil painting on … Read more Antique Oil Painting on Canvas - Saint Lucy - 17th/18th Century

of the Work: A fine antique oil painting on canvas depicting Saint Lucy. The Saint is portrayed half-length, gazing upward in an expression of devotional ecstasy, bathed in a beam of divine light emanating from the upper left corner.

Iconographic and Stylistic Details:

Subject: The figure holds a cup or tray containing her eyes in her right hand, a symbol of her martyrdom and her patronage of sight. In her left hand, she holds a palm, an emblem of the victory of the martyrs.

Clothing and Ornamentation: She wears a purple robe with ochre/gold sleeves. Her head is adorned with a rich garland of flowers (roses and small white flowers) woven into her dark hair, framing a face with soft features and pale skin. A gold hoop earring adds a detail of understated elegance.

Style: The work displays an interesting use of chiaroscuro, with a dark background that highlights the luminosity of the figure and the aura surrounding her head. The painting technique and facial expression suggest a chronological date between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, likely from an Italian context.

Conservation Status: The painting is in overall condition consistent with its period. The canvas features the characteristic and widespread crquelure (a pattern of small natural cracks in the paint), attesting to its authenticity and antiquity. The original canvas, mounted on a period wooden stretcher, is visible on the back. There are slight signs of aging that do not detract from the beauty of the work, but rather highlight its historical charm.

Frame: The work is presented in an antique wooden frame, finely carved with leaf motifs, which completes and enhances the overall effect.

Dimensions: 87 x 108 cm with frame, 69 x 87 cm canvas See less