HUNGARIAN (Late 17th Century). Sacred Heart; Saint Anthony Joining the Franciscan Order. 1697.

HUNGARIAN (Late 17th Century)
Sacred Heart; Saint Anthony Joining the Franciscan Order
Commissioned by Thomas de Nadasd, 1697
Oil on canvas
145" x 53 3/4" canvas

The companion piece to the Batthyany lunette of 1698, this monumental oil on canvas was commissioned one year earlier by the Hungarian magnate Thomas de Nadasd. While its counterpart addresses themes of political and military unity, this painting is more peaceful and devotional in character, centered on the Virgin Mary appearing to Saint Anthony of Padua to bless the Franciscan Order.

The Virgin presents Saint Anthony with a lily and a golden reed, attributes of the Franciscan tradition, while an angel appears at his shoulder bearing these gifts. The composition is dominated by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, adorned with a golden crown and transfixed by a sword, with the initials I.N.R.I. painted above—a powerful symbol of Christ's sacrifice that echoes the Pelican motif in the companion piece. An elaborately decorated cartouche to the left narrates the story of the Virgin's apparition and Saint Anthony's mission to spread word of her love to the faithful.

A Latin dedication at the lower right identifies the patron: “Our most glorious master, glorious Count Thomas of Nadasd, from the long line of the Forgaras, golden knight of the sacred Kingdom.” The Nadasd coat of arms—a white-collared black duck flanked by two bulrushes—appears at the far right as a second “signature.” Thomas de Nadasd was a rebel prince killed by Imperial troops in 1671, over twenty-five years before this oil was commissioned, suggesting it was created in his memory by Adam Batthyany or a descendant.

Together with its companion lunette, this work forms an unparalleled visual record of Hungary's struggle for national and religious independence at the close of the 17th century. Available individually or as a pair ($325,000).