Italian painting from the second half of the 17th century. Oil on canvas work by a good painterly hand depicting blind Belisarius begging for alms. Flavius Belisarius was one of the great generals of Justinian's empire. The Byzantine emperor, however, according to a legend that took hold in the Middle Ages, ordered him to be blinded and sentenced to beg in the streets of Constantinople. He is only recognised by a soldier who had fought under his command and the moral message of the work is the transience of glory. The painting is a high quality contemporary copy of Salvator Rosa's Blind Belisarius (1615-1673) now on display at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery in Rome. Beautifully decorated 20th century carved and gilded wooden frame with some signs of time. Work that has undergone restoration with re-staining, replacement of the frame and repainting in small places (see photo). Overall in good state of preservation. Light painting H 82.5 x W 68.5 cm.
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SILVER Seller in Cuneo, Italy
