Attributed to
Pietro Novelli
, Italian, 1603-1647
Title
A Miracle of Saint Francis of PaolaDate17th century
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
164 x 125 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1868
Object numberNGI.34
Label TextUntil recently, the subject matter of this painting was a mystery. It depicts Saint Francis of Paola, a vegan and animal-lover, from the region of Calabria in southwest Italy. According to legend, while visiting the king of Naples the saint was served a platter of fried fish. Much to the amazement of the king’s page, Saint Francis brought the fish back to life. The painting has been attributed to the Sicilian painter Pietro Novelli; he primarily worked in Palermo, but was active in Naples c.1631-1633.