Lot 117: Italian School 15th C. St. Augustine and St. Ambrose

Italian School, 15th century, tempera and gold on panel painting of Saint Ambrose and Saint Augustine shown in half-length and set in a verdant landscape. Both wear ornate canonical vestments and mitres, and Saint Ambrose, shown in three-quarters view with halo, holds an open book and crozier. Saint Augustine, shown in profile, looks to Saint Ambrose while the latter gazes upward toward God. With incised patterning to Saint Ambrose's halo. Housed in a later gilt and green painted tabernacle frame. Sight: 22 1/4" H x 17" W. Framed: 30 1/2" H x 24 1/2" W. Note: The c. 397-400 CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE describes the impact of Ambrose's spiritual guidance on Augustine's conversion to Christianity, as depicted here.

PROVENANCE: The collection of Alex and Cristina Ionescu, South Carolina, by descent from his father, the artist, conservator, and collector Vlaicu Ionescu of New York (1922-2001).

CONDITION: Flaking to gold with exposed bole, especially to mitres, plus scattered, minor flaking to tempera, largest 3/8" x 1/4" to right side of miter. Panel bisected by repaired split with retouching to split. Additional retouch to sky/background area, and to crack at lower left, 5 1/2" L, plus minor areas of scattered retouching, especially to lower body of Saint Ambrose. See U/V photography. With minor wormholes and craquelure throughout. Frame with abrasions and minor losses.