Bidspirit auction | 17th Century Italian School -

17th Century Italian School - San Mamés of Caesarea - Oil on walnut panel. Dimensions: 23.5 × 32.5 cm. A rare pictorial representation of Saint Mammes of Caesarea, also known as Saint Mamas. The saint, who according to tradition died disemboweled by a trident, is depicted shortly after his martyrdom, his gaze raised to heaven and his head surrounded by a halo. The scene is enriched by the presence of several animals surrounding him—a large sheepdog with a wide collar, a lion, goats, and sheep—iconography characteristic of the saint and a symbol of his protection over animals and the pastoral world. The work is firmly rooted in the production of the 17th-century Italian school, combining a naturalistic style with a strong devotional and narrative quality, typical of religious painting of the period. According to legend, Saint Mammes—whose name means “the one who was suckled”—was born in 259 into a humble Christian family in Cappadocia, in present-day Türkiye. He was born in prison, where his parents were incarcerated for their faith and died shortly afterward. An angel then instructed Ammia, a wealthy widow from Caesarea in Cappadocia, to take care of the child, adopting him and giving him the name Mamas. His martyrdom is believed to have taken place in the year 275, at the age of sixteen. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipment: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.