This exceptionally well-painted oil on canvas from the middle 1600’s- middle 1700’s depicts Saint Francis of Asissi as a hermit in contemplation of Christs suffering. The saint gently supports a crucifix in his hands as he kneels in a gloomy space; a book propped on a human skull rests on the table before him. Francis’ hands already bear the stigmata. Most likely Italian, the work features masterful skin tones and graceful depiction of drapery/robe. It measures 45 ¼ x 36 ½ in its attractive 19th c. Gilt gesso frame; 41 1/4 x 32 5/8 actual and is mounted on an 18th century European stretcher (medial bar replaced). The work has been in obscurity in a Midwestern collection for many years and has received no RECENT conservation. You will note numerous surface irregularities, areas of in-paint and some very small, spot losses in the background (a tiny one near his head). The paint layer is stable under a layer of shiny, grimy varnish that fluoresces oddly, so blacklight examination is not terribly helpful. There is likely over-painting in the area of his mouth and a signature is barely to be discerned lower left (pictured). Undoubtedly by the hand of a talented master, this work displays richly as is with all of its imperfections; it would be stunning restored properly. There is a 19th century relining with coarsely woven early linen support visible on the edges. The item “Antique Old Master Painting St. Francis Assisi 18th Century Italian Hermit Skull” is in sale since Friday, May 8, 2020. This item is in the category “Art\Paintings”. The seller is “hank503″ and is located in Huntington, Indiana. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, China, Sweden, Thailand, Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, Costa rica, Panama, Trinidad and tobago, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Bangladesh, Brunei darussalam, Bolivia, Ecuador, Egypt, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macao, Martinique, Nicaragua, Peru, Pakistan, Paraguay, Viet nam, Uruguay, Colombia, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman islands, Sri lanka, Maldives, Oman, Reunion.
- Size: Large (up to 60in.)
- Region of Origin: Europe
- Artist: Unknown
- Style: Realism
- Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
- Quantity Type: Single-Piece Work
- Painting Surface: Canvas
- Medium: Oil
- Date of Creation: Pre-1800
- Features: Framed
- Width (Inches): 32.65
- Color: Multi-Color
- Subject: Religious
- Originality: Original
- Height (Inches): 41.25