Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

The finest objects brought to you by {name}

Michaela Scharnreithner

This painting portrays Saint Anthony of Egypt, the founder of Christian monasticism, seated in a contemplative pose. A tau cross is prominently displayed on his robe, symbolizing his faith and devotion, while his tau staff, a distinctive element of his iconography, rests firmly in his grasp, emphasizing his role as a spiritual protector. Below him, a pig is depicted—a symbolic companion often associated with Saint Anthony, representing his ability to ward off evil and heal the sick. In the lower right, flames rise, referencing Saint Anthony’s Fire (ergotism), a condition historically treated by the saint’s devotees. The flames evoke suffering while underlining Saint Anthony’s association with healing and spiritual guidance.

In the upper right, Saint Francis of Assisi is shown receiving the stigmata, bathed in divine light amidst celestial clouds. This pairing of the two saints creates a compelling spiritual narrative of ascetic devotion and divine intervention.

The painting’s chiaroscuro techniques, with dramatic contrasts between light and shadow, reflect the influence of Caravaggio (1571–1610) and his revolutionary style. The realistic depiction of human expressions, textures, and the interplay of light lends the work an emotive, theatrical quality consistent with Caravaggio’s innovations and the legacy carried forward by his circle.

Reverse and Markings

The reverse of the painting features a circular stamp, identified as the brand of the Antwerp Joiners’ Guild, which depicts a pair of hands above a castle. This mark was instituted by the guild from 1617 onwards to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the wooden panels. Notably, the same stamp appears on the reverse of Pieter Brueghel II’s The Outdoor Wedding Dance, highlighting its significance in attributing early 17th-century works to panels sourced from Antwerp.

The presence of this stamp raises the possibility that prominent Italian painters, including those influenced by Caravaggio, sought high-quality Netherlandish panels for their works, leveraging the superior craftsmanship and durability of Antwerp-sourced materials.

Additionally, the reverse bears a German label with a descriptive inventory number, pointing to a prior inclusion in a cataloged collection, possibly linked to a monastic or noble institution.

Provenance
Possibly originating from the Stift Klosterneuburg, Austria, known for its extensive collection of religious artworks.

Dimensions
119.5 x 86 cm (without frame)
150 x 119 cm (with frame)

Oil on canvas, covered by panel (not glued)

Same mark can be seen at Christie’s
Mark References
1.	Christie’s: What to Look for on the Back of a Painting – chapter 2

https://www.christies.com/en/stories/what-to-look-for-on-the-back-of-a-painting-821e1638846944fb9a2b05aad53854fe

2.	Sotheby’s Auction Records: 

https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2004/old-master-paintings-part-1-l04031/lot.28.html

https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2007/old-master-paintings-evening-sale-l07033/lot.1.html

( the reverse stamped with the mark of the Antwerp Guild and the coppersmith's mark )


This painting stands out for its stylistic alignment with the Caravaggesque tradition, characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro and intense realism. The Antwerp Guild stamp links the panel to a period when Italian artists, influenced by Caravaggio, may have imported Netherlandish panels for their masterpieces. Its narrative, craftsmanship, and connection to Caravaggio’s stylistic legacy position it as a valuable acquisition for collectors of Italian Baroque art.

Oil on canvas - Artist stamp, Authenticity stamp, Not signed - 1617

Emilian School (XVII) - Saint Anthony from Egypt, with Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the Stigmata

Classical Art

Reserve price

No reserve price

Buy now

Closing date

Tuesday

Thursday

Monday

Sunday

27 January

26 January

23 January

Wednesday

tomorrow

2 February

28 January

24 January

29 January

Budget

From

Location

Italy

Spain

France

The Netherlands

Belgium

Germany

Austria

Poland

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Hungary

Lithuania

Romania

Ukraine

Croatia

Sweden

Portugal

Ireland

Malta

Slovak Republic

Bulgaria

Estonia

Greece

Luxembourg

United States

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Painting

Drawing

Artwork

Print

Manuscript

Country of origin

Netherlands

Europe

China

Unknown

Russia

Denmark

Peru

South America

Congo

Czechia

Condition

Good condition

Excellent condition

Fair condition

Needs restoration

Good

Period

19th century

2020+

18th century

1950-1960

17th century

1970-1980

1920-1930

1960-1970

1900-1910

1940-1950

1930-1940

1980-1990

1910-1920

1990-2000

2010-2020

16th century

2000-2010

15th century

Subject

Landscape

Portrait

Religion

Still life

Seascape

Animals and wildlife

Cityscape

Nature

Plants and flowers

Interior scene

Mythology

Nude

Day scene

Winter scene

Summer scene

Historical scene

Night scene

Architecture

Military and war

Spring scene

Autumn scene

Famous landmarks

Pop Culture

Flowers still life

Style

Classical

Impressionism

Realism

Baroque

Post-Impressionism

Folk Art

Romanticism

Contemporary

Modern

Renaissance

Expressionism

Abstract

Art Deco

Art Nouveau

Biedermeier

Symbolism

Rococo

Fauvism

Hyperrealism

Social Realism

Surrealism

Neo-Impressionism

Cubism

Caravaggisti

Naive Art

Technique

Oil painting

Acrylic painting

Mixed media

Watercolour painting

Tempera

Pastel

Charcoal

Mixed technique

Pencil drawing

Gouache

Chalk

Crayon

Etching

Giclée

Marouflage

Mosaic

Signature

Hand signed

Not signed

Signed

Plate signed

Edition

Original

Limited edition

Language

English

Colour

Multicolour

Blue

White

Brown

Yellow

Green

Black

Pink

Orange

Beige

Classical Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Emilian School (XVII) - Saint Anthony from Egypt, with Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the Stigmata

Popular in Classical Art

2381 objects

Related collections