A Fantastic Italian Painting Of St Philomena, Oil On Canvas, 1800'S

This is an absolutely fantastic and rare antique Italian painting of a female saint called Philomena. Dating from the early part of the 19th century, this highly poetic oil on canvas is captivating in its almost fairytale like quality - a reminiscent of the Sleeping Beauty. The saint is adorned with a floral wreath - often a symbol of a maiden - and a crown made of real silver that is truly exquisite. In one hand she holds an arrow [sign of a martyr]. Dressed in elaborate robes, she is resting with her eyes closed on an opulent divan. This entire image is furthermore contained within a glass case and a few plates bearing some unusual writing in latin. This is because the remains of the saint who lived between 291 – 304 were discovered in 1802, in the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome. Three tiles enclosing the tomb bore an inscription, "Pax Tecum Filumena" translated as "Peace be unto you, Philomena". When discovered, the tiles had not been positioned in the sequence of the words and this is how they are depicted in the painting, illustrating the moment of her discovery. Her name Philomena or Filumena [as written in Latin] is translated as "daughter of light" however, it is usually taken to be derived from Greek φιλουμένη meaning "beloved." Philomena is the patron saint of infants, babies, and youth.

This fascinating painting measures about 44.5 x 66 cm or approximately 17.5 x 26 cm and it is in lovely antique condition with minor signs of ageing which in my opinion only brings forth its true beauty and splendour today. It is exactly as I discovered it recently in Tuscany. The painting was framed recently in a black wooden frame with a gilded edge that measures about 57 x 78.5 x 5 cm or 22.4 x 30.9 x 2 inches. For the full condition please refer to the images!