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Pair of portraits of religious men – Italian school, 18th century or earlier (in the style of Piero della Francesca)
Painted in profile, depicting two monks or religious figures in a contemplative pose.
These works recall the aesthetic canons of the Italian Renaissance, in the wake of Piero della Francesca or Antonello da Messina.
The faces, of great finesse, are depicted with striking realism against a dark background, highlighting the subjects' inner selves. Each panel is adorned with a Latin inscription, reinforcing the devotional and mystical character of the whole:
“Iasio Gen. Servo tuo succurre”
“D. Baltasar Monaco. Servo tuo succurre”
All on a navy blue velvet background.
Later gilt and glazed frame.
Italy, 18th century
Ref: YIE3ZK7JUM