Italian Painter of the Late 17th/Early 18th Century, Saint Francis Xavier at Baptism, Italian Painter of the Late 17th/Early 18th Century, Saint Francis Xavier at Baptism

108 x 69 cm

The focus is on a saint standing above stone steps in front of a gray-blue sky, in a long black belted robe with a dark brown cloak. The index finger of the outstretched left arm points to heaven, and thus to God. He is shown with his attributes; a small cross hanging from his shoulders, and a shell in his right hand, with which he baptizes a man kneeling before him. Behind him are two dark-skinned men, one of whom carries a large, shell-shaped bowl presumably containing water. The figure on the right is probably an Indian with a quiver of arrows on his back. In front of him is a woman with a child in light clothing, who looks devoutly at the saint. A step below the saint is another kneeling figure with his head half hidden between his arms. Narrative painting in moderate colors. Partial retouch.
Oil on canvas. doubled.
108 x 69 cm.