This beautiful early 17th-century Italian oil painting depicts Saint John the Evangelist in prayer. It�s a fragment of a larger work possibly portraying either the Lamentation of Christ or the Nativity. His expression is somewhat enigmatic.John the Evangelist was one of Christ�s twelve apostles and traditionally thought to be the author of the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation. He�s also referred to as John the Apostle. Over the centuries, he�s been depicted in numerous works and generally in one of three ways. At times, particularly in Byzantine art, we see him as an elderly man with a grey beard. While in mediaeval art originating in Western Europe, he�s often portrayed as youthful and whiskerless. However, here, in this piece from circa 1620, he�s somewhat androgynous with a genteel visage and flowing golden locks. Historians have debated whether John�s feminine appearance was a deliberate attempt to enhance his appeal with female worshippers. In this respect, it�s interesting to consider Domenichino�s St John the Evangelist from a similar period.How this fragment came into existence is unknown but it�s plausible that its parent work became damaged and was cut down accordingly. It�s an enchanting survivor.Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 23�� x 24�� / 60cm x 63cmYear of creation: c. 1620Provenance: Private collection, France.Condition: Canvas relined. Fine and settled craquelure throughout, as you would expect. Numerous historic repairs and layers of inpainting. Frame in excellent condition.Our reference: BRV2015Height is 63cm (24.8inches)
Width is 60cm (23.6inches)
Depth is 4cm (1.6inches)