Spanish school. Charles III, late 18th century. "Saint... Lot 31

Spanish school. Charles III, late 18th century. "Saint Benedict curing a blind man" and "Penitent Magdalene". Pair of oil paintings on glass. In period carved and gilded wooden frames. Some lack in the frames. Measurements: 68 x 52 cm. c.u. Pair of devotional paintings on glass in carved and gilded frames-cornucopias, following the stylistic patterns of the time of Carlos III. The oil on glass extracts rich polychromes from the draperies and flesh tones, seeking naturalism in the capture of the faces, the drapery and the gestural drama. As is usual in depictions of Mary Magdalene, the saint has idealised features and long hair. She holds a crucifix with great displays of love, to which she addresses her prayers, her face tilted to one side and her gaze expressive. It was in the 17th century that the theme of the penitent Magdalen gained great strength, and it was perpetuated in the 18th century, when Catholic societies were particularly fascinated by the lives of mystics and saints who lived in solitude in wild places, dedicated to prayer and penance. As for the saint who cures blindness, he is probably Saint Benedict, wearing the humble habit of the Franciscan order. The frames are characterised by their compositional dynamism and abundance of vegetal elements in openwork carving, the Spanish school of the 18th century.