SPANISH SCHOOL, 18TH CENTURY. Devotional banner of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Oil on canvas painted on both sides: on one, the Crowned Column flanked by two cherubs and, on the other, Our Lady of the Pillar
57x48 cm the canvas; 108x64 cm the frame

Commissioned by Cristóbal Pío Funes de Villalpando y Abarca de Bolea, as a tribute to Manuel de Moncada. Text in Latin: “Epinicium et votum Ataresii comitis pro vita et via excel mi Dñi Emmanuelis a Moncada...”. Approximate translation of the Latin text: ‘Victory song and vow of the Count of Atarés for the life of His Excellency Don Manuel de Moncada. It recalls the memorable favours he received. For she gave him life and showed him the way. No more pious act did he perform; and even greater ones shall he perform. He gave back the image and the voice. The Count of Atarés offers these gifts to Mary.’

With Charles III frame in carved and gilt wood, circa 1760-1780.

Surface dirt, aging of the varnish, and slight flaws on the paint layer. The frame has some cracks, as well as wear and localized losses of the gilding.