Saint Benedict

Saint Benedict

Saint Benedict

Artist:
Francisco de Zurbarán (Spanish, Fuente de Cantos 1598–1664 Madrid)
Date:
ca. 1640–45
Medium:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
74 x 40 3/4 in. (188 x 103.5 cm)
Classification:
Paintings
Credit Line:
Bequest of Harry G. Sperling, 1971

This painting formed part of a series of canvases representing thirteen founders of monastic orders by Zurbarán, known from copies in the Capuchin convent at Castellón de la Plana. Saint Benedict is shown holding a wine jar, in reference to a legend that a jar of poisoned wine was fractured when blessed by the saint, thus saving him. In the background Benedict kneels in prayer holding a crozier.

Provenance

William à Court, 1st Baron Heytesbury, Heytesbury House, Wiltshire (probably by 1823–d. 1860; purchased in Madrid); his son, William Henry Ashe Holmes à Court, 2nd Baron Heytesbury, Heytesbury House (1860–d. 1891); his grandson, William Frederick Holmes-à Court, 3rd Baron Heytesbury, Heytesbury House (1891–d. 1903); his widow, Margaret Anna, Lady Heytesbury, Heytesbury House (1903–d. 1920; her estate, 1920–26; her estate sale, Hampton & Sons and Edens, Heytesbury, April 27, 1926, no. 1329, for £39.18); [Julius Böhler, Munich, and F. Steinmeyer, Lucerne, by 1927–50; sold to Kleinberger]; [Kleinberger, New York, 1950–75; bequeathed by Harry G. Sperling, last surviving partner of firm, to MMA]

Copyright Image
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