San Rafael Arcangel

This exceedingly fine and rare 18th century Spanish colonial oil on heavy gauge copper painting represents the Archangel, Rafael -- last offered for sale at Sotheby's Latin American Art sale, November 19 & 20, 2003, New York. The Spanish colonial style frame is a very high quality modern wood frame, surmounted by a hand carved and gilt-wood radiance.

San Rafael, one of seven archangels who performs all manners of healing, is almost always depicted as he is here, as a winged archangel with his traveler's staff and a trout.The trout, which he used to cure Tobias' blindness, is included within the small vignette, represented in the lower left quadrant.  Saint Raphael is the patron saint of many things, including, but not limited to, blind people, travelers, pharmacists, physicians and and nurses. He is often petitioned by the blind, those suffering from nightmares, mental illnesses, insanity and bodily ills. Rafael is considered by many to be the archenemy of the devil, and has always been revered as a special protector of sailors. Many maritime miracles have been attributed to his intervention. 

Dimensions: Overall framed dimensions are 28 inches vertical x 18.75 inches horizontal. Copper painting measures 17 inches x 13 inches. 

Condition notes: in near perfect condition. 

questions? Contact us at 415-578-8814 or info@colonialarts.com