St. Lawrence Distributing the Riches of the Church
- Date
- c.1625
- Material
- Oil on canvas
- Classification
- Paintings
- Collection
- European Art to 1800
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 236
- Dimensions
- 48 3/8 x 64 1/2 in. (122.9 x 163.8 cm)
framed: 58 1/2 x 75 in. (148.6 x 190.5 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 37:1944
NOTES
Here, the 3rd-century Christian martyr St. Lawrence distributes the Church’s treasures to those in need. Through vivid color contrasts, selective highlights, and the saint’s extended left hand, the artist draws viewers into this scene. Bernardo Strozzi has captured the sumptuous grouping of richly ornamented objects that almost burst out of the pictorial space. Close observation of those who gather to receive the gifts reveals the impact of the saint’s generosity.
Provenance
Marchese Spinola, Genoa, Italy [1]
by 1940 - 1944
Jacob M. Heimann, New York, NY, USA [2]
1944 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Jacob M. Heimann [3]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is Mortari's catalogue raisonné, cat. no. 322 [Mortari, Luisa. "Bernardo Strozzi." Luca: Edizioni de Luca, 1995]. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.
[1] The catalogue raisonné, as well as Jacob M. Heimann's bill of sale to the Museum dated June 12, 1944, indicate that the picture was originally in the collection of Marchese Spinola [SLAM document files].
[2] In 1940, Heimann lent this picture to the International Golden Gate Exposition, San Francisco ["Art." Golden Gate Exhibition, San Francisco, 1940, cat. no 166].
[3] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, March 2, 1944.
by 1940 - 1944
Jacob M. Heimann, New York, NY, USA [2]
1944 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Jacob M. Heimann [3]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is Mortari's catalogue raisonné, cat. no. 322 [Mortari, Luisa. "Bernardo Strozzi." Luca: Edizioni de Luca, 1995]. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.
[1] The catalogue raisonné, as well as Jacob M. Heimann's bill of sale to the Museum dated June 12, 1944, indicate that the picture was originally in the collection of Marchese Spinola [SLAM document files].
[2] In 1940, Heimann lent this picture to the International Golden Gate Exposition, San Francisco ["Art." Golden Gate Exhibition, San Francisco, 1940, cat. no 166].
[3] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, March 2, 1944.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.