École française (XIX) - Le Sauvetage du corps de Saint Sébastien par Sainte Irène - XL

- Oil on canvas. Original canvas.

- This monumental French preparatory painting, dated toward the late 19th century and of a size that testifies to its ambition as a study for a mural work, reveals a masterful composition that pays homage to the great masters of Roman Baroque, such as Caravaggio and Guido Reni, especially in its dramatic handling of light. The scene, submerged in crepuscular darkness, is pierced by violent chiaroscuro that illuminates the body of Saint Sebastian, a young and pale martyr who lies semi-conscious, barely held by a white purity cloth and a knot of rope on his wrist, leaning against the base of a classical marble column that bears, anachronistically and symbolically, the inscription "S.P.Q.R.", anchoring the scene in Pagan Rome. His figure, slender and painful, is the focus of compassion, while his head, crowned by the invisible crown of thorns of faith, falls backwards with an expression of agony and ecstasy. It is at this crucial point where the main action unfolds: Saint Irene, the noble Roman matron, dressed in a rich terracotta tunic and a dark cloak that emphasizes her determination, leans over the body, not to veil the dead, but to save the living. With a firm yet delicate hand, she grasps Sebastian’s wrist, and with the other she prepares to extract the arrow that pierces his chest, an arrow that, unlike the ones his executioners drove into him, is the instrument of his salvation since it has not reached the heart. The rescue, an act of faith and Christian love in the midst of persecution, is the engine of the composition.

Around the protagonists, the circle of holy women, Baroque deities of mercy, orchestrate the scene with a choreography of gestures and glances. On the left, a profile figure, clad in a dense cobalt blue mantle that evokes the nobility of classical art, holds Sebastian’s head with infinite care, her gaze fixed on the martyr’s face, personifying piety. On the right, another woman, younger and with a garment in emerald green that symbolizes hope and renewed life, kneels, preparing ointments and salves to heal the wounds, with a bottle of perfume and a bowl at her side, while a fourth figure, barely visible in the background shadows, observes with fear and reverence, completing the group with her discreet but essential presence. The atmosphere thickens with the tension of the clandestine rescue and the divine light that seems to emanate from the dark and stormy heavens, where clouds swirl around the column and a distant view of ancient Rome is glimpsed beneath the twilight. The vigorous stroke and the richness of the color palette, with its deep ochres, carmines and intense blues, demonstrate that this canvas is not merely a study, but a work in itself, where the spirit of Roman Baroque is reanimated by the French sensibility of the 19th century, creating a scene of painful beauty and unwavering faith that transcends time.

- Image dimensions without frame: 145 x 115 cm

In Montbaron Gallery, we are pleased to offer our clients an exclusive selection of artworks, all of them unique, original and unrepeatable. Each piece in our gallery is the result of deep dedication, a creative vision and masterful technique, characteristics that guarantee its authenticity. The works we sell are not industrial reproductions; they are pieces created individually by recognized artists, each with its own history and essence. Originality is the foundation of our commitment to excellence and, therefore, every painting or sculpture that is part of our collection is carefully selected to ensure its singularity. Acquiring a work from Montbaron Gallery means owning an unrepeatable piece, an investment in creativity and talent that, over time, will preserve its value both artistically and emotionally. We are proud to offer works that not only beautify spaces but also connect our clients with the richness of human expression through the most authentic art. Thus, we guarantee that every work that leaves our gallery is a unique piece in the world, with no replicas, and a testament to the innovation and passion of the artists we work with.

Certain lots, due to their age and value, require an export permit granted by the Ministry of Culture. Although this is an administrative procedure, it is indispensable to ensure the authenticity of the work and its free circulation internationally.

Montbaron Gallery commits to offering its clients original, unique and unrepeatable artworks, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of each piece in our collection. To ensure transparency and trust in every purchase, we offer a digital Guarantee Certificate, signed by a certified art historian. This certificate attests that the acquired work has been authenticated by our specialists, who verify its authorship, origin and state of conservation. The Guarantee Certificate includes complete details about the piece, such as author, creation date, technique used, and dimensions. The digital Guarantee Certificate will be issued upon the client’s request, providing an official reference for the acquired piece. This document will be sent in digital format and will be signed by an art historian from our gallery, ensuring its validity and backing.

We are committed to client satisfaction and confidence, so any questions about authenticity or the condition of the work will be addressed professionally and diligently. To request your Guarantee Certificate, please contact us through our usual channels.

As experts in the logistics of artworks, Montbaron Gallery is committed to ensuring that each piece reaches its destination safely and in the best possible condition. To this end, we work with a network of professionals specialized in art transportation, who guarantee maximum care throughout the entire process. It is important to note that the shipping cost prices indicated in the listing are indicative and subject to modifications depending on various circumstances. These include variations in transport market rates, changes in delivery location, the size and weight of the work, and possible extraordinary circumstances, such as fluctuations in fuel costs or adjustments in customs and import fees. The final shipping cost will be calculated precisely based on these factors, and the client will always be informed beforehand before proceeding with the shipment. Our goal is to offer the best possible service, adapting to each client’s needs and ensuring the artwork arrives at its destination quickly and safely, with no surprises.

The frame shown in the previous images has been added to the work by a third party or by the seller, and is not an integral part of the object. This frame is provided at no additional cost so that, when the work arrives at your home, it can be displayed immediately on your wall. Consequently, damage to the frame that does not affect the integrity of the work will not be accepted as a valid reason to file a claim or request a cancellation.

We encourage you to bid with confidence on the pieces from our gallery. Each work we offer is original, unique and unrepeatable, selected with the utmost care and authenticity. Whether you are looking for a piece to enrich your personal collection or to add exceptional value to your space, Montbaron Gallery offers you a safe and transparent platform to bid in a simple and professional way. Art auctions are the perfect place to discover works that could become the heart of your collection. Here, you are not only acquiring art; you are investing in something that will grow in value over time, both aesthetically and culturally significant. Montbaron Gallery pieces not only reflect the talent of established artists, but also have the power to transform spaces and enrich lives. Do not miss this opportunity to be part of something unique. Bidding on a Montbaron Gallery work is more than a transaction; it is an act of appreciation for art in its purest form. We invite you to bid with passion and join us on this exciting journey of discovery and celebration of art. Your next favorite work awaits you!

The descriptions and visual presentations of the artworks included in our catalog have the sole purpose of offering a general, aesthetic and narrative approximation of the pieces that make up Montbaron Gallery’s collection. Art, in its material nature, may present color nuances or textures that vary with lighting or the user’s screen configuration. It is also noted that the indicated dimensions may show slight physical variations inherent to the framing process or to the original support. For rigorous consultation, collectors are asked to refer exclusively to the detailed technical data sheet accompanying each work, where all technical information, certified measurements and the piece’s conservation status are specified.