Lot 257A
Spain or Mexico, Spanish Colonial school, ca. late 17th to early 18th century CE. A finely rendered Baroque oil painting of Tobias and the Angel depicting a scene in which Tobias, the son of Tobit, meets the Archangel Raphael (Book of Tobit, 5.5-6). What ensues is a story of miracles and wonder. Raphael and the fish in Tobit's hand plays a major role in curing Tobias' father's blindness and finding a perfect wife for Tobias after telling Tobias what to do with the enormous fish he has caught. See more about this story in the extended description below. Here the artist has used rich jewel tones to paint the figures, placing them in the foreground by the River Tigris with a marvelous landscape beyond. An inventory label on the verso reads, "Tobias set out with his faithful dog to obtain a jar of ointment for his father's eyes. And then . . ! - A work of merit!" This is a subject that was favored by many masters including Filippino Lippi, Verrocchio, and Titian. Custom gilded frame. Size: 19" L x 26" W (48.3 cm x 66 cm); 24.625" L x 31.75" W (62.5 cm x 80.6 cm) framed
The story begins with Tobit, a devout Jew, his wife Anna, and their son Tobias living in Nineveh during the 8th century BCE Jewish exile in Assyria. Tobit cared for those in need and ensured a proper burial for those who met their deaths ordered by the king. As the years went on, he lost his sight following a curious accident - as he was resting in the outdoors, sparrow droppings fell into his eyes causing inflammation and blindness. Sensing that death was approaching, Tobit asked his son to go to Media to collect money owed to him. On this journey, Tobias met the Archangel Raphael who agreed to accompany him. Interestingly, Tobias mistook the angel for a mere mortal. Wings were a later Christian convention inspired by classical Roman images of the winged Victory. The pair set off with Tobias' dog in tow. Upon reaching the River Tigris, Tobias decided to bathe when suddenly a huge fish leapt out of the water. The fish was set to devour Tobias; however, Tobias followed Raphael's instructions to catch and gut the fish, set aside the liver, heart, and gall. According to the angel, when burned the heart and liver would drive off evil spirits and the gall would cure Tobit's leucoma. They continued on their journey, and upon Raphael's suggestion stayed with a kinsman whose daughter, Sarah, seemed like the perfect bride for Tobias. Sarah turned out to be a demon who had killed several husbands before the marriage could be consummated. Only in this case, the demon was exorcized thanks to the fish's interior organs, and the couple married happily. Upon returning to Nineveh, Tobias used the gall to restore his father's eyesight. When they offered the archangel a reward for everything he had done, he revealed his identity whereupon Tobit and Tobias fell in disbelief and wonder.
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired at San Tomas Fine Arts, California, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#125964
- Condition: Painting shows darkening and craquelure. Areas of loss to upper right of canvas. Verso of canvas shows expected darkening and wear commensurate with age. Old label on verso (see description below).
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |