MacDougall Auctions 8 June 2009
8 June 2009
165. ST. JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN ON PATMOS AND HIS VISION OF THE WOMAN OF THE APOCALYPSE
GREEK (IONIAN ISLANDS), XVII CENTURY
57 by 45 cm.
12,000-16,000 pounds
The elderly saint is seated under a tall and leafy tree, next to him is his apocalyptic personification, the Eagle, holding an ink container with his beak, in the background are the buildings of a city, the composition on the upper left corner visualising the verses from the text of Revelation 12:1–5, according to which a brightly dressed woman who was standing on a moon crescent gave birth to a son was rescued by God from a seven-headed beast who sought to devour the child. The composition is executed with subdued colours, the skies rendered in gold. Whereas the vision of the saint derives from the Apocalypse, the inscription in his book suggests that instead he is writing his Gospel.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.