15 - “The Burial and Apotheosis of Saint Petronilla,” after Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino (Cento 1591–1666 Bologna), bears the inscription “Förtsch p. 1798”

“The Burial and Apotheosis of Saint Petronilla,” after Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino (Cento 1591–1666 Bologna), bears the inscription “Förtsch p. 1798” Oil on wood. Signed “Förtsch p. 1798” in the lower right corner. Extensive inscription in Latin on the reverse, beginning “S. Petronillae Virginis […]” and ending “Joan: Fran: Barberi in Templo Vaticano, pinx.” A two-part depiction of the Entombment of St. Petronilla in the lower panel and her Apotheosis with Christ in the upper panel, based on the altarpiece Guercino created for St. Peter’s Basilica between 1621 and 1623. Wood panel with two horizontal crossbars on the reverse and a vertical crack in the central area. The paint layer exhibits dense craquelure. In the lower left area of the painting, a larger area of old restoration with an irregularly textured surface, putty repairs, and overpainting in the area of the leg and the red robe of the kneeling man; within this section, there is cracking and a small loss. A few additional areas of scuffing, scratches, and missing paint. Frame shows scuffing and isolated areas of missing gesso. Painting dimensions approx. 61.5 × 39 cm, frame dimensions 70 × 78 cm. Condition: II–III