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17th-19th Century Peruvian Cuzco Painting of an Archangel. 31" x 42" - $2,500 (Trabuco Canyon)
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This is an original very old painting and not a reproduction. This painting was reportedly found rolled up in the basement of an old 17th - early 18th century church in Peru during a renovation (unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the church). I purchased this about 16 years ago and had it legally shipped from Peru to the USA. If you are familiar with Peruvian exports, you know this can be difficult. It was stuck at the Peru customs for over 3 months but was eventually approved for export and shipped. The painting bears the customs export approval mark on the back of the canvas. I might be able to find the original shipping documents, but no promises because I cannot remember where I placed them at this time.
When I received this painting, it was just as it was found, rolled up with a strong musty smell. I had unrolled and flattened the painting in my garage for about 3 weeks before attempting to tack it down on to a wood stretcher. It lost the musty smell after about 2-3 weeks. This is a larger painting and measures about 31 1/4" x 42" on the stretcher I made for this. The canvas is somewhat fragile and has some tears that should be properly conserved. There are losses of paint and canvas as can be seen in the pictures. I never got around to making a frame for it. I was on an art purchasing frenzy at the time, and it has been sitting in my office ever since.
This is a painting that deserves some proper restoration as it is a rare piece of history that was tucked away for hundreds of years.
I am still not sure which angel this is, but these paintings are usually one of the seven archangels (although there are others pending different versions of the bible over the centuries):
Archangel Michael, the Warrior Angel
Archangel Raphael, the Healing Angel
Archangel Gabriel, the Messenger Angel
Archangel Jophiel, the Angel of Beauty
Archangel Ariel, the Angel of Nature and Animals
Archangel Azrael, the Angel of Death
Archangel Chamuel, Angel of Peaceful Relationships
What I like about this one is the unusual pose of being turned away while having the head turned back. Another is that the feet are still facing somewhat foreword. I have never seen another posed like this in 30 years of searching through hundreds of churches, publications and museums.
Please view the pictures provided.
Ask questions if you have them. I will do my best to answer. I can send additional photos or can arrange to meet for a viewing.
Serious buyers only please.
See my other great art and items!