Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Bernard Lucas Sanz (Germany, 1650 - Bergamo post 1710)
Saint Alexander
Oil on canvas (98 x 72 cm./ In frame 125 x 96 cm.)
The painting, depicting Saint Alexander of Bergamo and datable to between the 17th and 18th century, is part of the pictorial production of the Lombard area, and more precisely ascribable to the hand of the eccentric painter Bernard Lucas Sanz, active mainly in Bergamo.
Sanz belonged to a renowned family of artists who moved to Bergamo in the last quarter of the 17th century and was the author of landscapes and religious compositions.
Sanz produced works for the churches of Gandino, Bergamo, Seriate, for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Astino (a pair of frescoes, 'Christ with the Samaritan Woman at the Well' and 'Temptations of Christ') and for the Church of the Annunziata in Cabanetti (Annunciation).
Returning to our canvas, we see Alexander, protector of the city of Bergamo, born in Thebes in the 3rd century A.D., commander of a centuria in the legendary Theban legion where he played the prestigious role of ensign, belonging to Maximian emperor of the West.
It was Maximian himself who, through an edict promulgated in 300 by Diocletian (Emperor of the East), ordered the capture of Christians, but Alexander bravely evaded the order, a refusal that cost him his very life.
Although his origins are therefore not Bergamasque, St Alexander of Bergamo is spoken of because of his martyrdom, which took place in that very city, when he was beheaded in the ancient column that still stands today at the Church of Sant'Alessandro in Colonna.
We find him immortalised here with his steed and military armour, obviously linked to his being a legionnaire, emphasising virtues such as courage, valour, strength and boldness, with the banner and palm of martyrdom.
In our case, the saint is depicted with a youthful and proud appearance, and with a devout gaze ready for martyrdom.
Delevery information :
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Should you have the desire to see this or other works in person, we would be happy to welcome you to our gallery in Riva del Garda, Viale Giuseppe Canella 18, we are always open by appointment only.
