18th Century French School Portrait Painting Icon St. Paul

Description

Exceptional and dramatic portrait painting in fine Giltwood frame
FRENCH SCHOOL, AN ICON PAINTING, "Head of Saint Paul," LATE 18TH/EARLY … more Exceptional and dramatic portrait painting in fine Giltwood frame
FRENCH SCHOOL, AN ICON PAINTING, "Head of Saint Paul," LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY, oil on canvas. 12 3/4" x 8 1/2" Note: The present portrait in the Roman Empire taste, resembles the Fayum mummy portrait style. Early Coptic portraits of apostles and disciples have been copied for nearly 2,000 years. A resurgence in ancient and classical themes in art at the turn of the late 18th and early 19th century continued a longstanding religious tradition of recreating portraits from early Christianity, many believed to originate from artworks of the Roman Empire period.
CONDITION

Three major losses, craquelure, some darkening, old canvas laid to linen canvas, inpainting, and overall in fair condition, wear commensurate with age and use. less