510 - 17th-Century French School, after Charles Le Brun (1619–1690)

17th-Century French School, after Charles Le Brun (1619–1690) Saint Genevieve holding a candle Carved and gilded wooden frame, late 17th century Approx. 22.5 x 17 cm (Stains and areas of missing paint. Minor chips, slight warping, and oxidation of the support. Restored. Sold as is) Our painting is a reverse-direction interpretation of Charles Le Brun’s grisaille painting housed at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, which was painted between 1637 and 1639. Saint Geneviève, patron saint of Paris, is depicted holding a lit candle symbolizing her unshakable faith. This refers to the legend in which she visits the construction site of the Basilica of Saint-Denis at night. --- Cabinet Artéon, Appraisals of Old Master Paintings and Drawings