Early 16th Century - Couple Of Gold Ground Miniatures On Tin - St. Francis And St. Clare

Exceptional pair of miniatures painted on gold-ground tin from the first half of the 16th century, depicting Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Presumably of central Italian origin, the miniatures are in good condition considering the delicacy and refinement of the support and the pictorial material. The brush strokes are very fine and precise, the anatomical details are rendered with unique refinement and mastery, both in line and color. It was decided to enhance them on a sheet of purple ebony polished with a buffer, inside a splendid neo-baroque frame from the 19th century, with gold leaf and carved by hand. In this way, the importance of the miniatures is given by the independence of the work, which can be positioned as desired without disappearing in size and indeed setting the two gems in a precious context. Thus the two saints, linked by history, by their spiritual closeness and by the original context that certainly saw them together, were placed and enhanced on a single support. The color rendering of the miniatures is wonderful, with an exceptional prominence from the ebony background, but also outlined and highlighted by the very thick and luminous gold leaf of the frame, moved by splendid and lively carvings. Excellent conditions for a piece of rare value, both artistic and religious, seeing the two distinct saints united in a single wonderful frame. Minor restorations, mostly conservative. Frame size 27.5 x 22.5 cm Miniature size S. Chiara 6.4 x 8.4 cm Miniature size S. Francesco 6.2 x 8.3 cm