Spanish school (XVIII) - Santa Bárbara
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€ 322
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Santa Bárbara, an 18th‑century Spanish oil painting on canvas (73 × 56 cm), unsigned, weighing 4 kg, in good condition, with a later gold frame, depicting a Baroque devotional religious scene.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Santa Barbara
Spanish school, 18th century
Oil on canvas
No visible signature.
Identification
1.1 Technical and Support
Oil on a medium-textured canvas, prepared with a warm ground and executed with overlapping layers of glazes and light impastos in the flesh tones and folds.
The workmanship corresponds to an eighteenth-century devotional academic practice, with soft volumetric construction and progressive light modeling.
1.2 Author and Chronology
Spanish school, 18th century.
A work attributable to the late Baroque devotional sphere, within the iconographic tradition of the Counter-Reformation still prevailing in the Enlightenment century.
1.3 Measures
With frame: 73 x 56 cm
Visible canvas: 58 x 43 cm
Gold rear frame included.
ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION
2.1 Composition
The figure of Saint Barbara is depicted in a half-length view, slightly turned, with the face inclined in an attitude of spiritual contemplation.
The diagonal axis formed by the palm of martyrdom introduces a contained dynamism, while the opening of the right arm creates a gesture of welcome and transcendence.
The suggested architectural backdrop places the scene in a symbolic space, likely alluding to the tower traditionally associated with his martyrdom.
2.2 Light treatment and technique
The lighting comes from the side, shaping the face delicately and underscoring the introspective expression.
The flesh tones are resolved with soft gradations, without harshness, built up through warm glazes.
The gold applied to the dress trim provides an ornamental accent and reinforces the sacred character of the figure.
The color palette combines earthy greens and deep reds, creating a sober and devotional balance.
2.3 Iconography and Character
Saint Barbara is identified by the palm of martyrdom and by the insinuated presence of fortified architecture.
The golden halo emphasizes his holiness without excessive theatrics.
It is not a grandiose representation, but an image of spiritual contemplation, designed for private contemplation or a parish setting.
HISTORICAL AND ARTISTIC CONTEXT
3.1 Artistic framework
During the eighteenth century, religious painting in Spain still retains the Baroque heritage, although with a gradual softening of its dramatic character.
This work is situated in that transition toward a more serene Baroque, where emotional intensity is replaced by compositional balance.
3.2 Iconographic tradition
The iconography of Saint Barbara was widely disseminated in the Iberian realm, especially linked to protection against storms and sudden death.
Mid-length works like this were common in domestic oratories and secondary chapels.
3.3 Qualitative comparison
In stylistic dialogue with late Baroque Castilian and Andalusian devotional productions, the work stands out for its formal dignity and iconographic coherence, without seeking theatrical effect.
Condition of Preservation
4.1 Support
Canvas properly stretched on the back stretcher.
Stable structure.
4.2 Painting Surface
Crackled finish to match antiquity.
Minor losses and wear consistent with 18th-century work.
The iconographic reading remains intact.
4.3 Marco
Rear gold frame in good overall condition.
Photographs are an essential part of the description.
Warranty and Transparency
5.1 Company
No signature is visible.
5.2 Origin
Private collection.
5.3 Commitment
Cataloging carried out under formal, historical, and comparative criteria.
Absolute transparency and willingness to provide further technical information.
Professional packaging specialized in antique artworks.
Certified and insured shipment.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLECTING
6.1 Artistic value
A solid example of Spanish devotional painting from the eighteenth century, with a balanced aesthetic presence and restrained spirituality.
6.2 Patrimonial Interest
Original eighteenth-century religious works maintain steady interest in the European market, especially when they preserve structural authenticity.
6.3 Market context
An appealing piece for its recognizable iconography, domestic format, and good compositional readability.
Suitable for both collecting antique paintings and integrating into spaces with historical sensitivity.
Seller's Story
At Barcelona Art Gallery, we are a large family of art collectors in Barcelona who have been acquiring all kinds of paintings for 2 centuries.
Headquartered in the Les Corts neighborhood of Barcelona.
We offer part of our private collection for auction: high period and modern paintings that we have been acquiring over time, mainly from art galleries, antique dealers, auctions, private collections and very diverse origins.
Translated by Google TranslateSanta Barbara
Spanish school, 18th century
Oil on canvas
No visible signature.
Identification
1.1 Technical and Support
Oil on a medium-textured canvas, prepared with a warm ground and executed with overlapping layers of glazes and light impastos in the flesh tones and folds.
The workmanship corresponds to an eighteenth-century devotional academic practice, with soft volumetric construction and progressive light modeling.
1.2 Author and Chronology
Spanish school, 18th century.
A work attributable to the late Baroque devotional sphere, within the iconographic tradition of the Counter-Reformation still prevailing in the Enlightenment century.
1.3 Measures
With frame: 73 x 56 cm
Visible canvas: 58 x 43 cm
Gold rear frame included.
ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION
2.1 Composition
The figure of Saint Barbara is depicted in a half-length view, slightly turned, with the face inclined in an attitude of spiritual contemplation.
The diagonal axis formed by the palm of martyrdom introduces a contained dynamism, while the opening of the right arm creates a gesture of welcome and transcendence.
The suggested architectural backdrop places the scene in a symbolic space, likely alluding to the tower traditionally associated with his martyrdom.
2.2 Light treatment and technique
The lighting comes from the side, shaping the face delicately and underscoring the introspective expression.
The flesh tones are resolved with soft gradations, without harshness, built up through warm glazes.
The gold applied to the dress trim provides an ornamental accent and reinforces the sacred character of the figure.
The color palette combines earthy greens and deep reds, creating a sober and devotional balance.
2.3 Iconography and Character
Saint Barbara is identified by the palm of martyrdom and by the insinuated presence of fortified architecture.
The golden halo emphasizes his holiness without excessive theatrics.
It is not a grandiose representation, but an image of spiritual contemplation, designed for private contemplation or a parish setting.
HISTORICAL AND ARTISTIC CONTEXT
3.1 Artistic framework
During the eighteenth century, religious painting in Spain still retains the Baroque heritage, although with a gradual softening of its dramatic character.
This work is situated in that transition toward a more serene Baroque, where emotional intensity is replaced by compositional balance.
3.2 Iconographic tradition
The iconography of Saint Barbara was widely disseminated in the Iberian realm, especially linked to protection against storms and sudden death.
Mid-length works like this were common in domestic oratories and secondary chapels.
3.3 Qualitative comparison
In stylistic dialogue with late Baroque Castilian and Andalusian devotional productions, the work stands out for its formal dignity and iconographic coherence, without seeking theatrical effect.
Condition of Preservation
4.1 Support
Canvas properly stretched on the back stretcher.
Stable structure.
4.2 Painting Surface
Crackled finish to match antiquity.
Minor losses and wear consistent with 18th-century work.
The iconographic reading remains intact.
4.3 Marco
Rear gold frame in good overall condition.
Photographs are an essential part of the description.
Warranty and Transparency
5.1 Company
No signature is visible.
5.2 Origin
Private collection.
5.3 Commitment
Cataloging carried out under formal, historical, and comparative criteria.
Absolute transparency and willingness to provide further technical information.
Professional packaging specialized in antique artworks.
Certified and insured shipment.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLECTING
6.1 Artistic value
A solid example of Spanish devotional painting from the eighteenth century, with a balanced aesthetic presence and restrained spirituality.
6.2 Patrimonial Interest
Original eighteenth-century religious works maintain steady interest in the European market, especially when they preserve structural authenticity.
6.3 Market context
An appealing piece for its recognizable iconography, domestic format, and good compositional readability.
Suitable for both collecting antique paintings and integrating into spaces with historical sensitivity.
Seller's Story
At Barcelona Art Gallery, we are a large family of art collectors in Barcelona who have been acquiring all kinds of paintings for 2 centuries.
Headquartered in the Les Corts neighborhood of Barcelona.
We offer part of our private collection for auction: high period and modern paintings that we have been acquiring over time, mainly from art galleries, antique dealers, auctions, private collections and very diverse origins.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
Spanish school (XVIII)
Sold with frame
Yes
Title of artwork
Santa Bárbara
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Not signed
Country of Origin
Spain
Condition
Good condition
Height
73 cm
Width
56 cm
Weight
4 kg
Depiction/Theme
Religion
Style
Baroque
Period
18th century
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