Sketch Of The Italian School: Saint John. Follower Of Simone Cantarini (1612-1648)

Sketch of the Italian School: Saint John

Follower of Simone Cantarini (1612-1648)

The technique used is oil on canvas.
Relined Canvas.

Period: 17th century
Style: Renaissance, Louis 13th
Width: 55,5cm
Height: 23cm

On the back of the painting, there is an inscription mentioning the name of Simone Cantarini (1612-1648). Although this attribution is difficult to confirm, it allowed us to identify an engraving with the same subject, derived from a painting by Simone Cantarini (see photo).

The painting is small in size, horizontal, and executed with a quick technique. It depicts Saint John almost naked, wrapped in a red cloak and with the attributes of the saint, including a cross with a white scroll. The saint also holds a cup to collect the water flowing from the rock, an allusion to the rite of baptism. The figure is set in an Italian landscape with trees and mountains in the background.

Dated to the 17th century, the painting's condition is average and it does not require restoration. It surprises with the freshness of the brushstroke that outlines the figure of Saint John.

This painting stands out for the charm and character typical of 17th-century Italian painting.