ANTONIO TEMPESTA | Saint Raymond of Peñafort

Painting is on stone with a shaped top and beveled bottom edge. Overall, it is in good condition with the exquisite details on the background beautifully preserved. Some of the paint has thinned on the darker hues. Some minor scratches are at top center, though these are normal for this surface. Inspection under UV reveals an uneven varnish. There does not appear to be any retouching clearly visible. Painting can hang as is. Offered in an ebonized wooden frame.
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.

Saint Raymond of Peñafort was a Dominican who went to Mallorca with the lustful King James I of Aragon, who had promised the Saint that he would not give into temptation. The King inevitably broke his promise and did not dismiss his concubines, which made Saint Raymond want to leave the island. In retaliation, King James said he would punish any ship captain that would take the Saint to Barcelona. This painting depicts the moment the Saint is able to miraculously escape by sailing on his cloak through the seas for six hours until reaching Barcelona. We are grateful to Dr. Massimo Francucci for suggesting the attribution to Antonio Tempesta after firsthand inspection. He suggests that this painting could be dated to the first decade of the 16th century.