Bonifacio Bembo Seguace, Pair of Panels of Saint Sebastian Guerriero, 1620, Oil on Board

Details

Description

Pair of ceiling panels
portrait of a condottiero / portrait of saint sebastian

bonifacio bembo (brescia, 1420 – milan, 1480) … Read more Pair of ceiling panels
portrait of a condottiero / portrait of saint sebastian

bonifacio bembo (brescia, 1420 – milan, 1480) follower

oil on panel
(each) 43 x 43 cm / framed 55 x 55 cm

this splendid pair of painted wooden ceiling panels represents a classic renaissance furnishing and decorative element in homes between the 15th and 16th centuries, especially in northern italy. These types of works were originally set in the coffered ceilings of noble palaces, which were widespread in lombardy (particularly between cremona, bergamo, and brescia), and were mounted at an angle between the beams to be admired from below (see example images).

fortunately, many ancient homes still preserve these spectacular artifacts intact, although many of them, following sales and renovations, have been dismembered and sold separately on the antiques market.

created by specialized workshops, these small paintings typically featured ladies, knights, saints, and illustrious men, recounting the history and cultural and political ideals of the owners of the house, often depicted among the figures.

regarding our two panels, given their quality and distinctive workmanship, we are inclined to attribute them to the style of bonifacio bembo (brescia, 1420 – milan, 1480), and therefore they should be attributed to one of his direct followers.

a highly important italian painter and miniaturist of the 15th century, active primarily at the court of the dukes of milan (the visconti and sforza), bembo was the foremost specialist in this field, so much so that his prolific workshop and, naturally, his followers continued this tradition, producing a large number of these panels for noble residences.

comparing the style and manner of our two figures, as well as the architectural setting in which they are placed, one can note the similarities with bembo's many works held in various collections. For example, they show strong similarities with the series of profile portraits held at the castello sforzesco in milan and the museo poldi pezzoli, linked to the patronage of the dukes of milan.

let's now delve into the characteristics of the works: in the first panel, we see the portrait of a high-ranking gentleman, immortalized in profile, following the classic renaissance fashion inspired by ancient roman coins, with a pose that inspires nobility and a sense of firmness. The man displays strong features, with a slightly aquiline nose and tight lips that express severity and a proud expression, typical of 15th-century rulers.

the second panel features a splendid image of saint sebastian, portrayed as a young man with soft features and long, wavy hair, yet enveloped in bright red flames to evoke the fervor of his faith. He wears a light-colored robe and holds an arrow, the symbol of his martyrdom, following the dictates of renaissance fashion, which favored the saint elegantly dressed, clutching an arrow in his fingers in an almost symbolic manner, rather than naked and pierced by dozens of darts.

the setting enhances the works, with the figures inserted in a rich architectural frame painted with a rounded arch supported by classical columns at the sides, from which hangs a garland of flowers and fruit (perhaps pomegranates), a classical decorative element favored in the renaissance to symbolize the prosperity and fortune of the family.

additional information:

the works are sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less