Panini, Giovanni Paolo (1691-1765) St. Paul shaking of the V...

Estimate

£100,000 - £150,000

Panini, Giovanni Paolo (1691-1765)
St. Paul shaking of the Viper in the Island of
Malta, with the Temple of Saturn and St Peter's
Colonnade
Oil on canvas
C. 1735

Dimensions:
103 in (H) x 85.8 in (W)

Literature:
Catalogue of Paintings in the Wellington Museum Apsley House by C.M. Kauffman, revised by Susan Jenkins, English Heritage in association with Paul Holberton publishing, London 2009, p. 223-4, cat. no.123.

Lot Essay:
This large and impressive canvas is an important
addition to Panini's oeuvre and, according to
Professor Arisi, should be dated to around 1735 on
comparison with the small version (73 x 61cm)
signed and dated that year at the Wellington
Museum, London (Arisi 1986, p.348, no.234).

The picture illustrates The Acts of the Apostles,
chapter 28, verses 1-6. Paul, on his way to stand trial in Rome, is shipwrecked on Malta with other
prisoners. They are welcomed by the islanders
who light a fire to warm their guests. As he helps to
collect sticks for firewood, Paul is bitten by a
viper which fastens itself to his hand. He
shakes it off into the fire and is unharmed. The
islanders take this to be a miracle and proof of
divine protection.