École européenne (c.1860) - Saint Jean-Baptiste

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Caterina Maffeis
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Selected by Caterina Maffeis

Master in early Renaissance Italian painting with internship at Sotheby’s and 15 years' experience.

Estimate  € 300 - € 400
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Saint Jean-Baptiste, a 19th‑century French watercolor by École européenne, depicting Saint John the Baptist in a religious scene, 65 x 55 cm, framed.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

European school, probably French, 1860
Saint John the Baptist
Watercolor
Watercolor measurements: 33 x 23 cm
With frame measurements: 55 x 65 cm

Important watercolor from a European school, probably French, dated 1860, depicting Saint John the Baptist. The work seems to include an ancient inscription in which Paris, France could be read, a fact that, if confirmed through direct study, would reinforce its documentary and contextual interest.

The composition presents the saint as a young man, half-length, in a contemplative and devotional attitude, with his gaze raised to the sky and the hand gesture open, in a arrangement of great spiritual intensity. Saint John the Baptist appears represented with biblically traditional attire, partially covered by fur and a reddish mantle, set against a sober landscape of hills and an open horizon.

The work stands out for its high technical quality, especially evident in the treatment of the face, anatomy, flesh tones, and the drapery folds of the mantle. The drawing is fine and precise, with a clear academic sensibility typical of European painting of the 19th century. The saint’s expression, of great delicacy, conveys reverence, faith, and spiritual elevation.

From a stylistic point of view, the watercolor is embedded in the European academic religious tradition of the 19th century, with probable French connections. The figure is resolved with a balanced composition, careful drawing, and a palette of soft tones, where reds, ochers, greens, and warm flesh tones stand out. The result is an image of notable refinement, clearly designed for a devotional and artistic reading.

The iconography of Saint John the Baptist is recognized by its youthful appearance, austere clothing, open landscape, and attitude of proclamation or contemplation. The work shows clear religious, historical, and collector interest, and given its quality, date, and apparent inscription, it can be considered a piece worthy of study.

The watercolor measures approximately 33 x 23 cm. With the full frame, the piece measures approximately 55 x 65 cm.

The conservation state can be appreciated in the photographs, which are part of the description. It is recommended to carefully review the images to assess the general condition of the watercolor, the paper, the passe-partout, and the frame.

Presented framed with an antique gilded frame of great ornamental presence. The frame is in poor condition, with visible flaws, damages, and significant signs of aging, and is therefore included for free with the work, with no grounds for a claim about its condition.

Piece of great artistic and devotional interest, especially attractive to collectors of religious art, antique watercolor, 19th-century French school, and representations of Saint John the Baptist.

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Seller's Story

At ARTEMISA we specialize in the selection and auction of artworks, antiques, and collectible items, combining experience, passion, and special care in the choosing and presentation of each piece. Throughout our journey we have assembled a catalog of more than 10,000 works, spanning a wide variety of schools, styles, and periods, with particular attention to painting and European art. The pieces mainly come from private collections and other selected sources, which allows us to maintain a broad, diverse, and continually renewing offering. Each work is studied and presented with the aim of providing the collector with rigorous and transparent information, paying special attention to its cataloging, condition, and artistic context. We work for both seasoned collectors and those who are just beginning to discover the world of art, offering—from accessible works to pieces of special historical, artistic, or decorative interest. At ARTEMISA we understand each auction as an opportunity to discover, conserve, and give new life to works with history, connecting them with collectors around the world.
Translated by Google Translate

European school, probably French, 1860
Saint John the Baptist
Watercolor
Watercolor measurements: 33 x 23 cm
With frame measurements: 55 x 65 cm

Important watercolor from a European school, probably French, dated 1860, depicting Saint John the Baptist. The work seems to include an ancient inscription in which Paris, France could be read, a fact that, if confirmed through direct study, would reinforce its documentary and contextual interest.

The composition presents the saint as a young man, half-length, in a contemplative and devotional attitude, with his gaze raised to the sky and the hand gesture open, in a arrangement of great spiritual intensity. Saint John the Baptist appears represented with biblically traditional attire, partially covered by fur and a reddish mantle, set against a sober landscape of hills and an open horizon.

The work stands out for its high technical quality, especially evident in the treatment of the face, anatomy, flesh tones, and the drapery folds of the mantle. The drawing is fine and precise, with a clear academic sensibility typical of European painting of the 19th century. The saint’s expression, of great delicacy, conveys reverence, faith, and spiritual elevation.

From a stylistic point of view, the watercolor is embedded in the European academic religious tradition of the 19th century, with probable French connections. The figure is resolved with a balanced composition, careful drawing, and a palette of soft tones, where reds, ochers, greens, and warm flesh tones stand out. The result is an image of notable refinement, clearly designed for a devotional and artistic reading.

The iconography of Saint John the Baptist is recognized by its youthful appearance, austere clothing, open landscape, and attitude of proclamation or contemplation. The work shows clear religious, historical, and collector interest, and given its quality, date, and apparent inscription, it can be considered a piece worthy of study.

The watercolor measures approximately 33 x 23 cm. With the full frame, the piece measures approximately 55 x 65 cm.

The conservation state can be appreciated in the photographs, which are part of the description. It is recommended to carefully review the images to assess the general condition of the watercolor, the paper, the passe-partout, and the frame.

Presented framed with an antique gilded frame of great ornamental presence. The frame is in poor condition, with visible flaws, damages, and significant signs of aging, and is therefore included for free with the work, with no grounds for a claim about its condition.

Piece of great artistic and devotional interest, especially attractive to collectors of religious art, antique watercolor, 19th-century French school, and representations of Saint John the Baptist.

SHIPPING TO COUNTRIES REQUIRING CUSTOMS MAY INCUR SURCHARGES.

Seller's Story

At ARTEMISA we specialize in the selection and auction of artworks, antiques, and collectible items, combining experience, passion, and special care in the choosing and presentation of each piece. Throughout our journey we have assembled a catalog of more than 10,000 works, spanning a wide variety of schools, styles, and periods, with particular attention to painting and European art. The pieces mainly come from private collections and other selected sources, which allows us to maintain a broad, diverse, and continually renewing offering. Each work is studied and presented with the aim of providing the collector with rigorous and transparent information, paying special attention to its cataloging, condition, and artistic context. We work for both seasoned collectors and those who are just beginning to discover the world of art, offering—from accessible works to pieces of special historical, artistic, or decorative interest. At ARTEMISA we understand each auction as an opportunity to discover, conserve, and give new life to works with history, connecting them with collectors around the world.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Artist
École européenne (c.1860)
Sold with frame
Yes
Sold by
Gallery
Title of artwork
Saint Jean-Baptiste
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Signed
Country of origin
France
Condition
Good condition
Height
65 cm
Width
55 cm
Depiction/theme
Religion
Period
19th century
SpainVerified
1977
Objects sold
100%
protop

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