Saint Edward, King of England

Oil on canvas

118 x 90 cm

Framed 137 x 107 cm

The figure portrayed in this fascinating portrait is St. Edward II, King of England, wrapped in a red cloak over a richly damask gold-coloured robe and covered with an ermine fur shawl which, together with the crown that encircles his head, are the symbols of royalty.

He is kneeling on a soft cushion, the palm of martyrdom in his hand and his devout gaze turned upwards since, as his biographies report, he was a young ruler of great devotion to the Church, generous and of extremely virtuous conduct.

He found himself ruling during a very difficult time for the Church and the kingdom, which was plagued by frequent famines. His great benevolence towards the poorer classes, however, came into conflict with the nobles and knights who had received their titles from his father Edgar of England, due to their constant attacks on the monasteries to plunder and destroy them. The king stood up for the Church and the monks, but effectively sanctioned his demise.

Edward was lured into an ambush and stabbed in the back (in 979) after only four years of his reign; this was considered an attack on religion and the king was glorified a Saint and Martyr.

A study of the work, which, as anticipated, leads us back to the Venetian painting milieu between the 17th and 18th century, attributes its authorship to Girolamo Brusaferro (Venice 1677 - 1745) and his workshop.

The artist, a pupil of Nicolò Bambini and his faithful collaborator, was sensitive to the style of Sebastiano Ricci, taking on a more rocaille style than his master.

His painting, of which the proposed canvas is a fitting example, represents a middle way between the great tradition of late Baroque painting akin to Luca Giordano (who had a great influence on the development of 18th century Veneto art) and the innovative colouristic sensitivity typical of 18th century grace.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with an attractive gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

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