Italian School (circa 1800), Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos

Oil on canvas, unsigned, presented in a later frame.

Stretcher size 77 x 51 in.; Frame dimensions 85 x 59 1/2 in.

The wisened Saint John is depicted seated, a quill raised in one hand above a large folio upon which the Latin script reads Passio Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Secundum Joannem and unus militum lancea latus eius aperuit et continuo exivit sanguis et aqua (John 19:34) ("The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, According to John," and "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water"). Both the saint and the eagle gaze heavenward, while a view to the roiling surf of the Aegean Sea is depicted below.

The support is comprised of two linen panels stitched together, the larger panel measuring approximately 40 in. wide; some separation to original seam; several patches to verso; applied linen lining to top corners of canvas for support; minor scattered retouch visible under UV light; some scattered areas of paint loss.

$5,000 - 10,000