Hand-Painted Paintings

A mid century impressionist style oil on canvas showing Le Pont Marie one of many bridges across the Seine in Paris during the fall or winter by an un documented artist who simply si...

(1907-1962) Oil on board; 20" x 26". Framed. During WW II Ralph's work appeared in juvenile-reader books: Red Randall, Fighter Pilot, Lucky Terrel, Jet Pilot and Cherry Ames. Followi...

This is a Marine oil painting, which represents a Marina with Atlantic Coast, the North Sea, The Ocean.  The work represents a glimpse of a rocky coastline typical of Northern Franc...

Abstract Chicago skyline painting, acrylic on canvas, by local Chicago artist, Joesph Catanzaro. Winner of the Chicago “Artists of the Year” f...

This beautiful boiserie panel depicting an allegory of Spring and the Arms of France was hand-painted in France, circa 1840. Boiserie is ornate wooden paneling that covered walls and ceilings of luxurious chateaus in France. The use of these panels became more prevalent at the end of the 17th century, before exploding in popularity during the 1700’s, thanks to multiple installations at the Palace of Versailles. Lengthy paintings such as this (ours is over 112 inches long) would often be placed above a doorway, forming a continuous theme with the rest of the room. The arrival of Spring is depicted by four winged cherubs frolicking among pink, white, and yellow flowers. None of the cherubs are clothed, although two of them are draped in colored textiles. The putto on the far left has a billowing peach colored material hanging from the left shoulder as he holds a sheer piece of fabric. The transparent veil stretches across most of the canvas, extending to the right hand of a female cherub wearing a jeweled tiara on the far right. On the same side of the canvas, but more medial, is another putto loosely draped in green fabric. To the left is the fourth cherub, a female with a laurel leaf tiara that is holding onto the edge of the Arms of France. A gold oval medallion, adorned with volute scrolls at the top and bottom, encircles a representation of the coat of arms of France from the Bourbon Restoration (1814/1815-1830). There is a large, curled leaf rising from the top volute with a husked border surrounding the light blue background with three gold fleur de lys. Our magnificent French painting gives off a warm and lively feel. Although it could still be used as part of a boiserie room...

A refined Chinese export painting depicting ‘The Tea shop’ Canton, early 19th century Ink and watercolour on silk, H. 63.5 x W. 52.3 cm Framed in giltwood frame. ?The paintin...

Beautiful and vivid painting, oil paint on panel. The painting shows a picturesque harbor on the French Mediterranean. This work is by the Flemish painter Charles-Louis Bisschops (Liège, April 25, 1894 - Rossignol, 1975). The painting has a somewhat impressionistic touch and a beautiful use of color. The blue color of the water contrasts nicely with the shady buildings. The painting is framed in a classic wooden gilded frame. On the back of the painting is an old label stating that the painting was painted in the French port of Ferrier (near Marseille on the Mediterranean). The painting is clearly signed and dated 1937. Charles Bisschops has his own Wikipedia page, information about this: Charles Bisschops was a Belgian painter, graphic artist and draftsman. He was a student at the Academy of Brussels from 1912 to 1919. The main professors were Jean Delville and Constant Montald.

Signed lower right and on the label on the stretcher with title and date 4/1972. A dark colorful scene with a fishing boat on deep green blue seas. Site: 19 1/2 x 25 1/2" Frame: Th...

Still life artwork, oil painting on canvas, vegetable and fruit with apples, pears, nuts and celery, cauliflower, chard, leeks, onions, garlic, carrots, aubergine. Still life painting rich and colorful. It also has a beautiful and original golden frame from the 19th century. The oil on canvas painting dates back to the nineteenth Century. The antique frame and the oil painting are restored. This still life oil painting is not signed, however, this is a French painter active in the 19th century. Restored Painting Oil on Canvas Gilded Frame Ancient Painting...

Beautiful nude study of a sitting woman. Oil on board by the Danish artist Christian Aabye Tage. Signed but not dated. In great vintage condition with signs of age related wear...

Bamboo in moonlight Gamo Rakan (1784-1866) Hanging scroll, ink on silk. Dimensions: Scroll: 201 cm x 58 cm Image: 137 cm x 45 cm In this early 19th century work by Gamo Rakan a light ink wash applied to the silk background silhouettes the moon and suggests the atmosphere of early evening. Even though it is a literati subject, Rakan’s bamboo is quite realistic with a strong decorative style. The painting finds its inspiration from Chinese Ming dynasty painters who often used a single-tone, jet black stroke to emphasize the calligraphic nature of bamboo. In a different era, decorative would have been seen as somewhat unrefined. But increasingly in the Edo period, it was the hallmark of high style. The Japanese people, in particular the rising merchant class, had gradually become apathetic toward the traditional Sesshu and Kano schools of painting. Chinese professional and amateur painters living in the port of Nagasaki during the 18th century had a profound effect on Japanese painting and the freshness of their style and its decorative appeal contributed greatly to its popularity. Gamo Rakan’s teacher, Tani Buncho...

Interests: Royalty, Enlightened Absolutism, 18th century European painting, Joseph Hickel, Marie Antoinette A fine pair of 18th century portraits depicting Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress consort, Queen consort of Germany, Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia and Archduchess of Austria and her son Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, King of the Romans, Germany and Archduke of Austria. Empress Maria...

A pair of 19th century Indian erotic gouaches depicting copulating couples engaging in different positions. The actions of the couples juxtaposed with the calm demeanor on their face...

This is an old Spanish hand painted panel that's from a church alter. It's got nice colors and missing just a few spots. I have shown several closeups to see the quality. It's depicting Saint Michael...

The hand-written notes on the back of this miniature watercolor tell what was, at the time, a scandalous story. The portrait is of Hanah Tichbon. The inscription reads in part, "wen...

Corrado Mezzana (Italian 1890-1952) well known painter Oil in canvas, museum quality piece Title: "Georgica" (official archive) Artwork dimensions: 132 x 102cm Period: 1931 Signed: C. Mezzana (Lower left corner) Decipting a late 1800s country scene (Sardegna) with 5 figures in the period fashion induments. The boy is playing his "Zampogna" (Tipical Sardinia ancient instrument as a Highlands pipe - Uilleann Bag pipe) meantime the four "georgica's" carefully are lessoning him Conditions: Absolutely beatiful with extensive conservative work done including; deep cleaning (old varnish/dirt removed), wax method partial (border) relining, minor retouching and a fresh coat of Damar Offered unframed I will consider fair offers from serious buyers only. Note: Available circa 45 high-resolution images regarding this gorgeous piece. Feel free to message me if you wanna see even more details and other frames of it. Provenance - Mezzana archive Last ownership (Monti Family - Milano) bought in 1953 Original title and production year (1931) received directly from his grandson which after attested his originality, send me a picture of a antique previous "study" regarding a left couple of "Georgiche" (or Contadine Aka: countrygirls) before this original painting were produced - SEE LAST PICTURE ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Research and Sources The Sacred Heart of CM, in Christian Art , XI (1923), 6, pp. 161 s .; CM, in Revue moderne , 15 apr. 1925, pp. 13 s .; Il Glauco by C. M. , In Corriere d'Italia , 28 May 1927; The new chapel of the relics in S. Croce, in L'Osservatore Romano, 18th apr. 1930; M. Mirabella, The Virgil stamps , in Fiamma viva , XI (1931), pp. 229-235; P. Scarpa, The monumental crypt to the military chaplains in the church of S. Caterina in Magnanapoli , in Il Messaggero , 1st November. 1933; N. Pende, Art and Typological Science in the Sacred Heart of CM , in Roman Rassegna , IX (1937), pp. 31-35; MG Franci, The Vatican issues of the war years , in the philatelic yearbook , Rome 1945, pp. 29-34; E. Diena, Parla CM, the artist of our stamps , in Italy philatelic , IV (1946), 22-23, pp. 245-251; Est-ce vraiment possible ?, in L'Observateur de Genève , XX (1951), 1, p. 6; Artisan candidates in Rome. C. M. , In Italian Craftsmanship , V (1952), 9, p. 4; E. Amadei, Memory of CM The man and the artist , in Il Quotidiano , 24 w. 1952; L. Palermo, Philately. Memory of CM , in Il Giornale , Oct. 17. 1952; R. Michetti, E. Martire and C. M., Rome 1953, pp. 11-15; CM Exhibition postuma (catal.), Rome 1953 (with extensive bibliography); R. Michetti, C. M. , In Faith and Art , 1953, n. 4, pp. 107-114; Vice, C. M. , In Il Giornale d'Italia , 12 April 1953; F. Zeri, Italian stamps ... , History of Italian art , IX, 1, Torino 1980, pp. 315-318; O. Orsini, The stamp in history and art , Rome 1981, pp. 117, 142, 144, 147, 150; F. Filanci - L. Mezzana Zilli, The art of the stamp: CM , Bologna 1990; H. Waga, Known and Unknown Life of the Virtues at the Pantheon, Rome 1992, pp. 51, 80; P. Mezzana, The Popes in the stamps of C. M. , In Il Dialogo , II (2005), 4, p. 18. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Buy with confidence. Your experience is really important to me. Please note: To maintain the integrity of these valuable pieces this lot will be shipped fully insured, professionally boxed, and offered with a traceable shipping freight worldwide WHICH is already included in the freight cost presented for your location. 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back Have a look for more original art pieces in my shop. Photographs in this listing are image quotations from the work that is offered for sale. © Copyright holder. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ BIO He was born in Rome on 7 June 1890 by Giuseppe, an official of the Post Office, and Rosa Morelli. In 1906, at the same time as his high school studies, he attended the studio of the landscape painter P. Joris. The training then continued at the free school of the nude at the Institute of Fine Arts (1908-10) and at the University of Rome, where he graduated in jurisprudence in 1912 with the thesis Legislation of Fine Arts and Antiquities published the following year in Rome. Starting from 1906, the first charcoal portraits are also documented ( CM , 1953, p.11) and from 1911 the works with a social subject such as Port unloaders ( ibid. , Table 1). In 1914 Mezzana got in touch with G. Giovannoni and F. Hermanin, through which he developed a keen interest in architecture. In the same year he participated with naked Man in the painting competition of the Regia Accademia di S. Luca (Rome, Accademia di S. Luca, inv. 957) and obtained the qualification to teach drawing in technical schools and artistic institutes. Moreover, he exhibited the oil painting Rinascita at the exhibition of the Society of amateurs and lovers of fine arts in Rome, which saw him annually present until 1928 with the Consecration of Chinese bishops (1927, reprinted in CM ... , 1983, pl. 9). In the same period, in tune with the widespread taste in the capital of those years, Mezzana matured a predilection for the crepuscular atmospheres ( Dante al Monastero del Corvo , 1914, Rome, Mezzana collection), represented with a connatural sentimental vein and a spelling dry and sharp. In 1915 he was invited to the San Francisco International Exposition, where he presented the Antoninian Baths and began to teach drawing in the Michelangelo Buonarroti circle and in the ornamental arts school of the Municipality of Rome. During the war period Mezzana suspended the activity of scholar and artist to devote himself to the organization of the military hospital De Merode of Rome (1916-17) and was then an artillery officer (1917-18). In 1919 he married Albertina Giorelli, with whom he had six children, and began working as a production designer in the production company Tespi film in Rome (1919-22). In 1922 he created the first framework of social engagement, Glauco (1922; Rome, Mezzana collection), with a clear symbolist imprint, in the wake of the masonry works of A. De Carolis and A. Calcagnodoro. The evocative and didactic approach is characteristic of the works of Mezzana, especially in this period ( Elegi abiectus esse in Domo Dei , 1926, CM ... , 1953, plate 7), with the exception of landscapes, where he expressed his best artistic qualities, painting with scrupulous respect for the truth ( Dogliani , 1928, ibid ., plate 11). In the same years, he carried on the work of a publicist and from the pages of the Catholic magazine Gioventù nuova (1914-24) he came to the heart of the issues of historical-artistic philology. He also continued his exhibition activity by participating in the second and third Rome Biennial in 1923 and 1925. In the latter he exhibited a collection of decorations and the sketch for the altarpiece, Christ between s. Catherine of Siena and s. Margherita Alaquoque (1922), realized for the chapel of the Sacred Heart in the Basilica of S. Maria sopra Minerva. At the same climate and in the same period belong the tempera dedicated to the life of s. Giovanni Bosco (1929, Turin, Institute of the Salesians) and the cartoons for the stained glass and mosaics of the chapel of the relics in S. Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome ( CM ... , 1953, plate 13), pervaded by a pictorialism and expressive sentimentality pathetic tones. From the beginning of the Thirties, the main focus of interest was the commitment to artistic issues as a scholar and conservative. Designed, assisted by A. Muñoz, the crypt under the church of S. Caterina Magnanapoli (1933) and obtained the setting up of the hall of industry and craftsmanship at the Augustan Show of Rome (Rome, 1937). Especially after 1930 Mezzana devoted himself to the study of a series of great figures: Leonardo da Vinci, GL Bernini, Giotto di Bondone...

Untitled abstract painting by Adja Yunkers. Collage with acrylic, signed and dated 1969.

Unpei Kameyama (1821-1899) A view of black (American) ships in the bay of Uraga Senminato, Miura district, June 1853 The Japanese text reads: ‘The seventy-six old men for the Kitamura-clan, drawn in 1897 on request of Yoshisada Kitamura, Himeji, the black ships which so much changed the fate of Japan, enjoy please this masterpiece by Harima Shonin Bisei who brings back memories of his young days.’ Watercolour on paper, laid down on cardboard, H. 44.5 x W. 115.5 cm Provenance: Collection of Yoshisada Kitamura, Himeji Yoshisada Kitamura (1838-1899), the son of a farmer in the village of Ogawa, in the district of Harimakashikihigashi, studied under Matajiro Otaka and got heavily involved in the anti-Shogunate movement. He was active in several military incidents against the Shogunate. After the Meiji restoration, he served the Meiji government as a local official in the Himeji domain. Kameyama Unpei was a Confucian scholar, a Shinto priest...

Psychedelic kaleidoscope of vibrant color and imagery. Done in the style of renown psychedelic 60s artist, Phillip Schreibman. Highly saturated reds and blues on a turquoise backgrou...

American landscape oil painting "Youngsville, New York" by Mystery Artist, circa 1925 A beautiful antique oil painting of a young woman with cattle n...

An antique seascape painting by Paul Earnst Wilke offers watercolor coastal scene with lighthouse, boats and figures, artist signed lower rig...

This is an antique landscape oil painting, mountain landscape painting with snow, early XXth century.  It is an antique painting, from t...

17th century Christ in chains Oil on canvas, 95 x 71 cm Frame 110 x 84 cm The figurative tradition representing Christ with chained hands can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, when an iconography of His pains spread widely. The need to translate the Passion into images aimed to raise awareness of the forgiveness that has occurred for all men, consequent to the Crucifixion. This painting depicts the moment before the audience before Pilate. Christ has not yet been cruelly mocked by the soldiers, despite the fact that he is already wearing the crown of thorns and the purple...

Painted in the 19th Century during the Qing Dynasty era, this portrait honors 4 members of an esteemed Mandarin family. It is rendered beautifully in water...

A anonymous Italian 19th century flower painting, oil on wood. The flowers in a gold colored bouquet vase with a scrolled base. Resting o...

Well executed oil on paper beach scene by J Winston Lawler. Virginian painter of his local scenes. Matted without a frame. In excellent vintage condition. One of many paintings by j....

A large mid-century abstract oil and collage canvas painting by American artist Blanche Barloon (1911-1999). Signed to the verso of the canvas, the painting depicts an interior scene...

LOUIS DOBRY - 'The Palette' - Expressionist oil painting on panel - heavy impasto in areas with scraping/scratching of the panel surface - signed and titled lower right - unframed - ...

A fine pair of Allegorical paintings of Poetry and Music by Charles Chaplin Title: Allegory of Poetry and Music Artist: Charles Chaplin (1825-1891) Date: 19th Century Medium: O...

Painting by Svetlin Roussev, female nude, mixing technique on canvas. The painting shows a female nude in monochrome colors. It is unframed and signed on the back. Svetlin Roussev is a Bulgarian artist, politician, collector of works of art, academician of the Academy of Sciences. He was born June 14, 1933 in Varbitza, Pleven District. He graduated in painting from Prof. Dechko Uzunov in 1959. In 1977 he became a professor. He was President of the Union of Bulgarian Artists...

ROBERT P. FLYNN - Vintage Surrealist style landscape oil painting on artist's canvas covered panel - signed and dated verso - unframed - Canada (likely) - circa 1970. Excellent vi...

J. BISHOP (Unknown/Unidentified Artist) - 'Untitled' - Vintage watercolor painting on paper featuring a church and landscape - contained in a vintage grey painted...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original late 19th century extra large Flemish oil painting, signed A Apoeie depicting a nice nature scene in front of the sea. A ...

"Concept," 2022 is a large abstract acrylic, oil featuring deep violets, yellow ochres, and metallic gold on a white ground tinged with pale blue. In addition, the artist incorporated touches of orange, forest green and maroon together with web-like ink drawn forms to achieve light and dark and depth. New York City born Kathi Robinson Frank...

Antonio Bertoli (active between 1829 - 1842) Portraits of women (2) Oil on canvas, 41.5 x 31 cm With frame 52 x 42.5 cm Signed below A. Bertoli The two portraits examined here are by the hand of the artist Antonio Bertoli, a painter active in Florence between 1829 - 1842. He trained at the Florentine Academy, where in 1832 he obtained the prize for the nude in drawing. At the academic exhibitions of the following years he exhibited mainly portraits, including a representation of Nicolò Macchiavelli executed in 1837. An eclectic artist, he experimented with different genres: for the Villa Puccini di Scornio in Pistoia, in 1838, he was commissioned to create a history picture, The death of Francesco Ferrucci (Pistoia, Civic Museum), inspired by an episode of the novel Siege of Florence by Francesco Domenico Guerrazzi. Instead, two religious paintings date back to the 1840s: Christ chasing the merchants from the Temple and a Virgin Mary, In the portraits analyzed Bertoli depicts two half-length women taken from a foreshortening and a frontal in close pose, characterized by very similar Mediterranean features. In the first painting the woman, taken from the front, looks directly at the viewer. The wavy hair is decorated with a colorful violet and is partially covered by a white veil...

Delightful watercolor on paper of colonial architecture with water, mountains, and two mysterious figures. Signed in the lower left by noted Amer...

The Namur painter and engraver, Louis Decoeur (1884-1960) became a member of “L’Effort” around 1910. This artist’s association provided a free studio for painters in Brussels, on the first floor of a building located at Quai au Bois à Brûler number 31. Here innovative artists who the official salons did not appreciate were given a forum. The members of “L’Effort” opposed academism. Some names of artists who have worked in the studio spaces of "L'Effort" are: Jean Brusselmans...

M. L. WALLACE (Unknown/Unidentified Artist) - 'Morning Haze' - Mid Century Modern watercolor painting on paper - titled lower left - signed and dated lower right - Frank Jarman, Otta...

Artist: Umberto Ziveri (Italian painter 1891-1971) Oil on board Signed/dated at the lower right corner Period: 1925 Description: Delicate Still life in the best of his manner/per...

Decorate a study, office or den with this beautiful and colorful antique oil on canvas painting! Painted in France circa 1890, the artwork is set in a carved gilt wood frame and illu...

Modern sleek painting. Deep and dark accents giving the viewer many opportunities for interpretation.

Decorate a kitchen wall or an office with this elegant pair of antique paintings; crafted in Holland, circa 1920, each artwork is set in the original carved oak and gilt frame; each painting depicts a pastoral countryside scene in the summer and winter with farmhouse, farmer and horse. Both subject matters are signed in the lower right corner by two different artists, H. Hermans and J. Lencor? The paintings are in excellent condition, with rich colors. Wire in the back for easy installation. H. Hermans was a self-taught painter; he is know as a follower of louis Apol...

Dreamy landscape picturing a view of a castle in France. Large original frame made of walnut. I love the soft and delightful pastel colors that are used. The colors add emotion to...

Mid 20th Century Balinese Painting on silk fabric, Framed. Vintage large Balinese art painting, from Ubud, Bali acrylic on silk. Beautiful artwork by the Indonesian artist from Ubud. Painted in Peliatan, Ubud Bali by VJ. Kupur as signed on the bottom left hand corner. Balinese Folk Festival ceremonial procession, Ink and acrylic paint on canvas. Batuan painting evolved in the 1930s after a group of local villagers tested different forms with ink-washed paintings upon black backgrounds. These paintings often reveal Batuan’s cultural life, directly through their elements of line, shape, and tone. Meticulous design, craftsmanship, and strong visual impression are characteristic of the style. The painting comprise individual shapes which are painted in a precise and systematic manner that does not leave any empty space. The complexity of the paintings is inevitable as each of the strokes, lines, gradations, the characters or the subjects forms a delicate unity that finely balances the figure-filled canvas. Various gradations of colors separate different sections of the painting. The landscape is enticing and endless. About Bali Art...

Beautiful oil painting fawn, signed K. ROQUETTE 20th century. Fine painting, oil on cardboard. Pictured a fawn in the forest. with wooden frame. Signed low...

"Wilder Ranch" by Nancy Leigh Hillis, 2009 custom gold frame.

Signed and Framed Seascape Acrylic Painting on Canvas made in America circa 1970s. Depicting two Fishermen in their Sailboat on the rough Ocean catching a swordfish. The wide woode...

Christopher Lane (American,1937) This oil on canvas painting by Christopher Lane is very similar to one of his larger paintings that was displayed at...

Vintage Impressionist style watercolor painting - unsigned - untitled - unframed - original 'Eaton's - Toronto' label verso - Canada - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage conditio...

Tulips still life "Ephemeral Beauty) Pastel on paper, signed and dated. Beautiful still life, brightly colored painted tulips on a yellow background. Title: Ephemeral Beauty Signed...

This is a religious oil painting of Jesus, which represents the Madonna with child. his oil painting has an original gold leaf frame realised in...

Coussot Bex - Blue Dragon 2021 Acrylic on canvas Signed by the artist Measures: 100 x 100 x P2cm.

Harry Hutchinson Shaw (1897-1989) - "Untitled" - American Impressionist fine art oil painting on canvas - featuring a majestic Egret in a marshy ...

Modern Portrait of Three Rabbits, in the style of Hunt Slonem USA, 20th century Oil on canvas A whimsical portrait study of three seated rabbit...

Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence (Attributed - American 1913-2005) - 'Untitled' - Post Impressionist winter landscape oil painting on artist's canvas covered ...

Decorate a wall with this cheerful and colorful antique painting. Created in Austria circa 1860 and set in the original carved gilt wood frame, the artwork features an allegory representing baby Jesus, John the Baptist and cherubs after Sir Peter Paul Rubens...

Elegant Chinese Export signed Silk paintings from the mid-century era. Excellent condition in gilt frames. Identical birds in differing hue and signature likely painted by different ...

A beautifully executed and rare complementary pair of oil on canvas paintings depicting two of the moist famous and important counter reformation catholic saints St Francis Xavier and St Carlo Borromeo shown in scenes of what the respective saints are mostly famous for. St Francis Xavier for the conversion to Christianity of many S. E Asian countries notably India and St Carlo Borromeo shown asking the Virgin Mary to intercede for the cessation of the terrible plague of 1576. The paintings are presented in refreshed gilded carved wooden frames and are unsigned. St. Francis Xavier was born in Spanish Navarre in 1506 and in 1528, he met St. Ignatius of Loyola. He became one of the seven in 1534 who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). In 1536, he left the University of Paris and joined St. Ignatius in Venice. He was ordained in 1537, and in 1540 after the Society was recognized by the Pope, he journeyed to the Far East. Francis Xavier first evangelized the Portuguese colony of Goa in India, then Travancore, Ceylon, Malacca, and the surrounding islands. From there he journeyed to Japan, where he gave Christianity such deep roots that it survived centuries of violent persecution. He died on Sancian Island in 1552, while he was seeking to penetrate into the great forbidden land of China. Despite language problems, lack of funds, resistance from the Europeans as well as the natives, he persevered. St. Francis converted more people in his life than anyone since the Apostle St. Paul. He baptized over 3 million people, converted the entire town of Goa in India, and he labored in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan. He was truly a missionary par excellence. St Carlo Borromeo (1538-1584), was a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop of Milan from 1565 to 1583. He was described in the decree for his canonization, as “a man, even while the world smiles on him with the utmost flattery, he lives crucified to the world, spiritually, trampling earthly things, seeking continuously the things of heaven, emulating the life of the Angels on earth, in his thoughts and actions. The plague began in the month of August that year. Milan was celebrating joyfully the arrival of Don John of Austria, on his way to Flanders, where he had been appointed governor. The city authorities were abuzz with excitement in their desire to bestow the highest honours on the Spanish prince, but Charles, who had been Archbishop of the diocese for six years, was following with concern the news coming from Trento, Verona and Mantua, where the plague had begun claiming victims. The first cases exploded in Milan on August 11th, right at the moment when Don John of Austria arrived. The victor of Lepanto, followed by the governor, Antonio de Guzmán y Zuñiga, departed the city, while Carlo Borromeo, who was in Lodi for the Bishop’s funeral, returned in haste. Confusion and fear reigned in Milan and the Archbishop dedicated himself completely to assisting the sick and ordering public and private prayers. Dom Prosper Guéranger sums up his infinite charity in this way: “In the absence of local authorities, he organized the health service, founded or renewed hospitals, sought money and provisions, decreed preventive measures. Most importantly though, he took steps to ensure spiritual help, assistance to the sick and the burial of the dead. Unafraid of being infected, he paid in person, by visiting hospitals, leading penitential processions, being everything to everyone, like a father and true shepherd” St. Carlo was convinced that the epidemic was “a scourge sent by Heaven” as chastisement for the sins of the people and that recourse to spiritual measures was necessary to fight against it: prayer and penitence. He rebuked the civil authorities for having placed their trust in human measures rather than divine ones. “Hadn’t they prohibited all the pious gatherings and processions during the time of the Jubilee? For him, and he was convinced of it, these were the causes of the chastisement. The magistrates who governed the city continued to oppose public ceremonies, out of fear that the large gathering of people would spread contagion, but Charles “who was guided by the Divine Spirit” – recounts another biographer – convinced them by citing various examples, among which was the one regarding St. Gregory the Great who had halted the plague devastating Rome in 590. While the pestilence spread, the Archbishop then ordered three general processions to take place in Milan on the 3rd, 5th and 6th of October, “to placate the wrath of God”. On the first day, the Saint, despite it not being the Lenten season, placed ashes on the heads of the thousands gathered, exhorting them to penitence. Once the ceremony was over, the procession went to the Basilica of St. Ambrose. Charles put himself at the head of the people, dressed in a hooded purple robe, barefoot, penitential cord at his neck and large cross in his hand. The second procession led by the Cardinal headed towards the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The third day the procession from the Duomo headed for the Basilica of Santa Maria at San Celso. St. Carlo carried in his hands a relique of Our Lord’s Holy Nail, which had been given by the Emperor Theodosius to St. Ambrose in the 5th century. The plague didn’t show any signs of waning and Milan appeared depopulated, as a third of its citizens had lost their lives and the others were in quarantine or didn’t dare leave their homes. The Archbishop ordered about twenty stone columns with a cross at the top to be erected in the main squares and city crossroads, allowing the inhabitants from every quarter to take part in the Masses and public prayers - from the windows of their homes. One of Milan’s protectors was St. Sebastian, the martyr the Romans had recourse to during the plague in 672. St. Charles suggested that the magistrates of Milan reconstruct the sanctuary dedicated to him, which was falling into ruins, and to celebrate a solemn feast in his honour for ten years. Finally in July 1577, the plague ceased and in September the founding stone was laid in the civic temple of St. Sebastian, where on January 20th every year, even today a Mass is offered to recall the end of the scourge. St.Carlo Borromeo died on November 3rd 1584 and was buried in the Duomo of Milan. His heart was solemnly translated to Rome, in the Basilica of Saints Ambrose...