This exceptionally well-painted oil on canvas from the 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 41 1/4 x 32 5/8 actual and is mounted on its original 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 on his scalp). The paint layer is stable under a layer of shiny, grimy varnish that fluoresces oddly, so blacklight examination is not terribly helpful. A signature may be discerned lower left (pictured) but is likely later… 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. It has a 19th century relining with coarsely woven early linen support visible on the edges and there seems to be a signature and date upper right obscured by varnish and grime. The item “Antique 18th Century Old Master Painting St. Francis Italian Hermit Skull Santo” is in sale since Monday, May 24, 2021. 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, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, South africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa rica, Panama, Trinidad and tobago, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei darussalam, Bolivia, Ecuador, Egypt, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman islands, Liechtenstein, Sri lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macao, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Peru, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Viet nam, Uruguay.
- 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