Pier Leone Ghezzi (Rome 1674-1755)
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino; and Saint Francis of Assisi
a pair, oil on canvas, the former unlined
108.3 x 80.7cm (42 5/8 x 31 3/4in). (2)
Footnotes:
Provenance
The Compagnoni Marefoschi family, Macerata (according to a stamp on the reverse of the frame of Saint Francis and on the canvas of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino)

It has been suggested that the most likely candidate for patron of the present Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and Saint Francis of Assisi, is Prospero Marefoschi (Montesanto 1653-1732 Rome). Elected cardinal in 1725, Prospero was a central figure in the cultural life of Rome during the Pontificate of Clement XI and thus will have doubtless had many opportunities to meet Pier Leone Ghezzi; indeed the artist depicted Cardinal Marefoschi in one of the lunettes which formed part of his decorative scheme at Villa Falconieri, Frascati.

We are grateful to Anna lo Bianco for confirming the attribution to Pier Leone Ghezzi (private communication with the vendor).