1126 - "The Fire at the Borgo," 17th-century Italian school, large and important oil on canvas

"The Fire at the Borgo," 17th-century Italian school, large and important oil on canvas Oil on canvas; canvas dimensions: 96 x 77 cm. Framed dimensions: 121 x 102 cm. We are looking at a sublime oil-on-canvas depiction of the miracle attributed to Pope Leo IV in the year 847. A fire had broken out in the city, and the pope extinguished it by making the sign of the cross from a Vatican window. It thus exemplifies the divine favor obtained through the Pontiff. However, there is no consensus regarding the meaning of the scene. It may refer to the schism that ended with Leo X (according to historian Pastor), or it may allude to the restoration of peace under Pope Leo X following the wars of Julius II. Provenance: an important private collection in northern Spain. Due to its age and history of use, this lot may show signs of wear and previous interventions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no specialized technical testing has been performed. The absence of any mention of restorations does not guarantee that none exist. You may request additional information before placing a bid. This does not affect the buyer’s statutory rights.