1445 - A very important series depicting the Four Apostles, in the style of Miquel March (Valencia, 1633–1670), of the 17th-century Valencian school

A very important series depicting the Four Apostles, in the style of Miquel March (Valencia, 1633–1670), of the 17th-century Valencian school Set of 4 oil paintings on canvas; framed dimensions: 113 x 94 cm; canvas dimensions: 98 x 74 cm each (with significant period frames; one is missing its frame). Son of the Valencian painter Esteban March, with whom he is believed to have trained given the similarity of their styles. His “Neapolitan” influence is thought to stem from a possible trip to Italy, though Pérez Sánchez is uncertain about this. He produced religious works, most of which have now been lost; however, the surviving works include *Saint Jerome Penitent* (Prado) and *Saint Roch Succoring the Plague Victims* (Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia, San Pío V), which feature highly expressive and complex compositions, illuminated with tenebrist intensity. His best-known works are allegorical paintings—executed with loose, vibrant brushstrokes and warm, tan, and reddish colors inherited from his father—kitchen still lifes with tenebrist lighting and great naturalism, and flower vases of rigorous symmetry, great chromatic richness, and an exquisite decorative sense. He also produced canvases with more complex compositions that include figures, although they maintain the preeminence of the inanimate, a characteristic of this painter’s works. Bibliography: Orellana, Marcos Antonio, *Biografía pictórica valentina* [1930], Valencia, City Council, 1967, pp. 185–201. 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.