Attributed to Jean Mosnier

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 21 January 2003, lot 246;
There acquired by the family of the late collector.

The canvas is tightly lined. The paint surface is stable and presents a beautiful image with vivid bright coloration and a clean even varnish. Inspection under UV shows some small retouches are scattered throughout the background and the figures. Some of these areas of retouching are on the rocks at the bottom of the canvas by the saint's foot, at center left along one of his wounds, and on the yellow gown one of the ladies wears. This painting is offered unframed, but can otherwise be hung in its present state.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jean Mosnier was a French painter who trained with his father, a glass painter. A native of Blois, Mosnier was there when Marie de' Medici was in exile, and she commissioned works from him. She was pleased with his talent, and paid to have him go to Italy to further develop as an artist. In Italy, he studied with Cristofano Allori, Lodovico Cigoli and Domenico Passignano, and was inspired by painters such as Raphael. As a result, his works had an Italian influence. Upon his return from Italy, Marie de' Medici continued to commission him. He soon became one of the most celebrated artists of the region, receiving further commissions from patrons in Tours, Chinon, and Chartres.