Fedele Fischetti (Naples, 1732 - 1792), St Sebastian tended by St Irene

Beautiful unpublished painting by the Italian artist Fedele Fischetti (1732 - 1792), representing Saint Sebastian being tended by Saint Irene and her lady's maid.

This painting of small dimensions was made by Fischetti around 1760-70, between his commissions for the Neapolitan church of Spirito Santo and the frescoes painted in 1770 at the gallery of the Palace Carafa de Maddaloni and the Palace of Casacalenda. An oil on canvas by Fischetti with the same composition but of larger dimensions (74 x 101 cm) was sold in the art market in 2019.

Formed at Gennaro Borelli's workshop and influenced at his beginnings by Pompeo Battoni's Neoclassicism, Fedele Fischetti painted numerous works for several Neapolitan churches, such as the Basilica of Spirito Santo or Santa Maria in Portico's church. Besides, he received a certain number of palace commissions, mainly in frescoe technique, such as the royal Palace of Caserte, the Gravinia and Cellamare palaces, the palace Carafa di Maddaloni (residence of prince Alfonso of Aragon), the royal palaces of Capodimonte, Carditello or Naples.

We are grateful to Prof. Nicola Spinosa for confirming the authorship and dating of this work on the basis of photographs.

In good condition, in its original canvas and stretcher. In a Neoclassical giltwood frame.
Prov: E. G. Collection, Madrid.
D: 49,5 x 65 cm (frame: 59 x 71 cm)