Andalusian School; early eighteenth century. Lot n° 40

Andalusian School; early eighteenth century. "Saint Peregrine Laziosi". Oil on canvas. Relined. Presents imperial style frame with some faults. Measurements: 58 x 46 cm: 66 x 34 cm (frame). Under a border of flowers, where the protagonist and the donors are indicated, an image of devotional character can be appreciated. In it we see a religious, Saint Peregrine, with his leg protruding from his tunic. The saint is assisted by two angels, who affectionately support him, while in front the figure of the crucified Christ seems to be trying to get off the cross. The scene represents the moment before the death of the saint, who was suffering from a pain in his leg, hence its evident presence in the image. Aesthetically, the work has elements linked to the Andalusian school, especially to the painter Juan de Espinal (Seville, 1714-1783). Peregrino Laziosi (c. 1260 - 1345) is an Italian saint of the Order of the Servants, patron saint of people suffering from cancer, AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Peregrine Laziosi was born in 1260, the only son of a well-to-do family in Forlì, northern Italy. Peregrine's family supported the anti-papal faction. In 1283, the residents of Forlì were intercepted. Philip Benizi, Prior General of the Friars Servants of St. Mary, was sent to try to reconcile the divided community. While trying to preach in Forlì, Philip was interrupted and beaten by the 18-year-old Laziosi. He was driven out of the city with insults and violence. Laziosi repented and asked Philip for forgiveness. Benizi received him kindly. The moment had a profound effect on Laziosi. Filled with remorse, he began to pray more and to channel his energies into good works. A few years later, he joined the Servites in Siena and went on to be ordained a priest. After a few years he was sent back to Forlì, where he founded a new house and became famous for his preaching and holiness, as well as for his devotion to the sick and poor. It is said that he miraculously multiplied grain and wine during a severe shortage in his area. People began to call him the "Angel of Good Counsel," so grateful were they for his wise counsel given so freely. One of the special penances he imposed on himself was to stand when there was no need to sit. When he was tired, he supported himself in the choir stalls. At the age of 60, he developed an infection in his right leg. His condition deteriorated to the point that the doctor decided to amputate his leg. The night before the operation, Laziosi spent some time praying before a fresco of the Crucifixion in the chapter house. He fell into a deep trance-like sleep and seemed to see Jesus descending from the cross to touch his leg. The next day, the doctor arrived to perform the amputation and, finding no sign of the cancer, news of the miraculous cure spread throughout the town. This only increased the people's regard for Laziosi. He died of fever on May 1, 1345, at the age of 85. An extraordinary number of people from the town and the countryside honored his death.