Spanish School, 19th century
St. Philip the Apostle
oil on canvas, oval format
circle Antonio Cortina Farinós (1841–1890)

A monumental representation of St. Philip the Apostle shown in a full-figure composition against the sky with putti among the clouds. The saint is shown in accordance with iconographic tradition – with a cross in his hand, symbolizing his martyrdom, and a book referring to the preaching of the Gospel. His figure exudes a quiet dignity, and his classically-featured face and gray beard emphasize the spiritual nature of the depiction. The balanced color palette, dominated by the red of the cloak and the broken blues of the background, the subtle chiaroscuro modeling, and the softness of the brushstrokes indicate the work's connections with Spanish academicism of the second half of the 19th century. The composition reveals technical characteristics typical of the circle of Antonio Cortina Farinós, a painter active in Valencia, known for his classicizing sacred works.

The painting has an original oval stretcher frame from the period. Preserved in a state requiring conservation (abrasions of the paint layer, minor chips and abrasions at the edges).