Veronese School, 17th Century, Tobiolo And The Angel

Veronese school, 17th century

Tobiolo and the angel

Oil on slate, cm 26 x 37

With frame, cm 29,5 x 39,5

The biblical story of Tobiolo and the angel has inspired many painters over the centuries: the little Tobiolo found Raffaele, who did not have the appearance of an angel, and set off on a journey with him and his little dog. When we arrived at the Tigris river, Tobiolo wanted to take a bath; but a fish came out of the water and tried to eat his foot. Encouraged by Raphael, Tobiolo managed to grab the fish, threw it on the shore and took away his heart, liver and gall, which were, according to the angel, remedies against demons and eye diseases. And indeed, once back home, Tobiolo sprinkled the eyes of his father with the gall of the fish and he miraculously regained sight. Also in this version the young man is represented with a fish in hand as he walks led by the archangel in a wild environment and devoid of other human presence. Among the most characteristic elements of the subjects of the works of the school of Verona are carpets with soft colors, drapery impregnated with intense light, refined embroidery of the hemlines and fine weaving of fabrics. We find in the natural elements the typical backgrounds with natural landscapes rich in chromatic nuances, such as hills covered with lush vegetation, plant elements and reliefs more bleak in the distance. The bright and bright colors also conform to the teachings of the Verona school and therefore also Veneto, although the chiaroscuro contrasts are here more highlighted in the areas against light. The extremely vibratory and reflective effect of the paint is certainly enhanced by the support: the slate. Painting on marble or slate is rather rare, but very valuable in effects. The rarity of the works painted on stone, in terms of large figurations, is due above all to the weight of the stone material, which is much greater than that of a wooden table or canvas.