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St Jude Thaddeus. Spanish school late 18th early 19th century

$2,215.19
£1,600
€1,892.75
CA$3,048.83
A$3,383.13
CHF 1,784.52
MX$41,300.74
NOK 22,577.62
SEK 21,145.77
DKK 14,125.24

About the Item

This refined devotional painting, executed in oil on copper, is a distinguished example of the 19th-century Spanish School, known for its emotive sacred imagery and profound spiritual atmosphere. The work portrays Saint Jude Thaddeus, apostle and martyr, rendered with quiet authority and symbolic richness, in a manner that reflects the enduring traditions of Spanish religious painting. Saint Jude is shown in half-length, emerging from a subdued, neutral background that enhances the warm luminosity of the copper surface. His expression is serene and contemplative, his gaze lifted slightly heavenward, suggesting spiritual conviction and inner peace. The figure is sensitively modelled, with soft transitions in light and shade that lend a lifelike presence and devotional intimacy. In his hands, the saint holds three distinct attributes: an axe, symbolizing the manner of his martyrdom; a book, signifying his role in spreading the teachings of Christ; and a palm frond, the timeless emblem of martyrdom and eternal victory. These elements are arranged with compositional balance, not merely as symbolic devices but as integral components of the saint’s apostolic identity. His garments are painted in rich yet subdued tones: a deep red robe is paired with a pale ochre cloak, which falls gracefully over his shoulders and chest. The drapery is rendered with careful attention to the flow of fabric and the subtleties of light, creating a sense of quiet movement and enhancing the spiritual gravity of the composition. The restrained palette, enhanced by the reflective quality of the copper, underscores the painting’s contemplative mood and devotional purpose. The use of copper as a support—favoured in both Spanish and Italian traditions for its smooth, durable surface—allows for exceptional detail and colour saturation. The brushwork is fluid and deliberate, revealing a confident hand trained in academic precision yet attuned to the emotional nuance of religious art. Fine details, such as the saint’s facial features, the texture of the book, and the crisp form of the palm frond, are handled with delicacy and care. This painting would likely have served as a private devotional image, intended to inspire prayer, reflection, and intercession through the figure of Saint Jude—a saint widely invoked in times of personal trial and uncertainty. The artist’s restrained yet expressive treatment places the work within the heart of the Spanish religious tradition, drawing upon centuries of sacred iconography while imbuing it with a 19th-century sensibility. A poignant and technically accomplished representation, this Saint Jude Thaddeus is a fine testament to the devotional depth and artistic discipline of the Spanish School, capturing both the sanctity and humanity of one of the Church’s most beloved apostolic figures.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.6 in (32 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2841216557702

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