Signoretto alliata was a nobleman of pisa who spent his life on sicily, working in hospitals. Late in life, he became a hermit and lived in seclusion in a deserted place on the shore. According to legend, he received his martyrdom near his dwelling at the hands of a band of north african pirates. In the painting, the pirates can be recognized as muslims by their turbans. To a christian audience, the scene conveyed the death of a blessed man at the hands of infidels. His luminous pale body and drapery symbolize his purity. Angels hand him the crown of martyrdom. This loosely painted scene was a preparatory version for a large painting commissioned for the cathedral of pisa by count tommaso alliata campiglia, who wanted to honor his holy ancestor. Object Type: painting. Date: between circa 1794 and circa 1796 (Baroque). Place of creation: Rome, Italy. Dimensions: Painted surface height: 50.6 cm (19.9 in); width: 50.6 cm (19.9 in). Medium: oil on canvas. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Giuseppe Cades - The Martyrdom of the Blessed Signoretto Alliata - Walters 371831
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