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Saint Charles Borromeo Meditating on the Crucifix

Maker

(Artists)
1696-1770

Title

Date of Production

1767

Medium

oil on canvas

Dimensions

Height: 63.4 cm (canvas)
Width: 38.3 cm (canvas)

Accession Number

P.1978.PG.452

Mode of Acquisition

Count Antoine Seilern, bequest, 1978

Credit

The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Copyright

Work in the public domain

Location

On display

Keywords

Label Text

The Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this sketch in preparation for one of the seven altarpieces he painted for the Church of San Pascual in Aranjuez, Spain. The church was the first important building project undertaken by the Spanish king Charles III (reigned 1759–1788). It was built for friars known as ‘barefoot’ Franciscans, and the subjects chosen for Tiepolo’s altarpieces reflect their austere interpretation of Christianity. The one exception is this sketch, which depicts Charles Borromeo, the king’s namesake and the friars’ protector, wearing rich garments. The paintings were Tiepolo’s last major commission. They hung in the church for only a few years. The king soon found them old-fashioned and had them removed.

Provenance

Francisco Bayeu (1734-95), inv. no. 139; acquired from his executors by Leonardo Chopinot; South American collection(?); Acquired by Count Seilern, London, 1949; Princes Gate Bequest 1978.

Exhibition History

The Courtauld at the National Gallery, National Gallery, London, 27/03/2019-05/08/2019

All Spirit and Fire - Oil Sketches by Tiepolo, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 23/02/2006-29/05/2006

For your approval - Oil Sketches by Tiepolo, J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California, 03/05/2005-04/09/2005 ...More

Display with permanent collection, Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, 01/09/1997-01/06/1998 ...Less

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