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 canvas
Overall size: 23½” x 24½” / 60cm x 63cm
Year of creation: c. 1620
Provenance: 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: BRV2015
