Claudio Coello

The canvas has been relined and has been slightly pressed as a result. The varnish is slightly uneven. There are small discoloured retouchings in the background. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals at least two campaigns of retouching: the older one consists of faded areas of repair; the newer consists of the infilling of craquelure, particularly in the lower margin and upper centre, and repair to the upper right margin. Otherwise there are some scattered retouchings around the neck and right hand of the cupid, and around the head of the saint and his left hand. This lot is offered in a black and gilt wood frame with carved flower embellishments, the paint flaking and the carvings knocked.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

John of God was born in Portugal in 1495. He underwent a mid-life religious conversion and subsequently founded a shelter for the destitute in Granada. The charitable community that grew up around him became established as the Order of Brothers Hospitallers after his death in 1550. St John immediately became a favoured subject for devotional works commissioned by charitable institutions.

Coello dramatically depicts the saint's experience of his spirituality, with storm clouds advancing from a background plunged into darkness. The scene shows the Christ child appearing to St John in the wild and revealing to him his vocation in Granada. The pomegranate surmounted by a cross symbolizes charity and the resurrection and is the attribute of St John and the Order.