What is the estimated value of this 18th-century devotional painting?

The estimated market value for this 18th-century devotional painting, after Carlo Maratta, is between $350 and $700. This valuation is based on comparable sales of unattributed 18th-century Continental devotional works in similar condition. The connection to Maratta's design adds value, but the fair, unrestored condition and uncertain specific origin temper the estimate. A physical inspection is recommended to confirm the medium and refine the value.

What era is this devotional painting from?

This devotional painting dates to the 18th century, executed in the dramatic Baroque style. This period was characterized by intense religious emotionalism and dynamic compositions, often produced during the Counter-Reformation. The specific composition is an adaptation of a well-known design by the Roman Baroque master Carlo Maratta, widely disseminated through engravings across Europe.

What condition is this 18th-century painting in?

The painting is in fair, unrestored condition. It exhibits extensive age-related craquelure, a thick, heavily discolored varnish layer, and accumulated surface grime, all of which obscure the original colors and details. Minor paint losses are also present. The period frame is severely distressed. This condition significantly reduces its market value by an estimated 30-50% compared to a well-preserved example.

Where should I sell this 18th-century devotional painting?

We strongly recommend selling this painting within the United States through regional auction houses like Doyle Auctions or specialized online platforms such as LiveAuctioneers or Catawiki. These venues cater to collectors of Old Master works while keeping seller costs proportionate to its $350-$700 valuation. International shipping costs to major hubs like London would likely exceed the painting's value.

Is this painting an original work by Carlo Maratta?

No, this painting is not an original work by Carlo Maratta (1625–1713) himself. It is an adaptation of one of his well-known designs, likely executed by a follower or workshop artist in the 18th century. Maratta's compositions were widely circulated through engravings, allowing regional artists across Europe to create their own versions, which is consistent with the stylistic evidence of this piece.

What is the significance of the 'IHS' monogram in the painting?

The 'IHS' monogram, visible on the flaming heart held by cherubs in the painting, is a Christogram representing the name of Jesus. It is an abbreviation of the Greek name IHSOUS (Jesus). This symbol is common in Christian art, particularly in devotional works, and signifies the sacred heart of Jesus, emphasizing the painting's religious theme and the saint's spiritual ecstasy.

18th-Century Devotional Painting of Saint Francis, after Carlo Maratta (Possibly Spanish School or South German/Austrian School)

Estimated value: $350 - $700. 18th-Century Devotional Painting of Saint Francis, after Carlo Maratta (Possibly Spanish School or South German/Austrian School) (18th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This is a compelling example of 18th-century European devotional art, created in the dramatic Baroque style that characterized the Counter-Reformation. The painting's composition is not an original invention but rather a direct adaptation of a celebrated design by the leading Roman master Carlo Maratta (1625–1713). Maratta's works were widely popularized across Catholic Europe through prints, which were then copied by regional artists and workshops. This painting is one such work, likely depicting Saint Francis de Sales in prayer, as in the original design. While the connection to Maratta provides important art-historical context, the specific origin of this piece is uncertain. Evidence points to two possibilities: an oil painting from a Spanish workshop, or a reverse painting on glass ('Hinterglasmalerei') from a specialized center in Southern Germany or Austria. This ambiguity, coupled with the painting's poor, unrestored condition, significantly impacts its market position. The heavy layer of discolored varnish and grime obscures the artist's skill, and the distressed frame further detracts from its presentation. The market for unattributed, period religious works in this condition is modest, with value driven by decorative appeal and potential for restoration.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on auction results for comparable 18th-century Continental devotional paintings by anonymous or workshop hands. The primary anchors are two sales at Balclis for works attributed to Miquel Bestard, which realized approximately $400 and $685. An identical composition appeared at auction with a low estimate of approximately $210-$315, but the final sale price is unconfirmed, so this serves only as a low-end indicator. Our estimate of $400 - $700 accounts for the subject's connection to a known design by Carlo Maratta, but is significantly tempered by the painting's poor, unrestored condition. A recommended reserve price would be $300. After auction house commissions (typically 10-15% of the hammer price), the net proceeds to the seller would be approximately $340 - $630.

Comparable sales

Spanish School, 18th Century; Heavenly Choir — sold for — (Strauss & Co), 2024-10-22
Obrador or Circle of Francesco Solimena (1657 - 1747) Italian school of the 18th century. Oil on canvas attached to measurement table: 106 x 66 cm measurements with old frame included: 131 x 90 cm — sold for Passed (Templum Fine Art Auctions), 2024-06-26
ATTRIBUTED TO MIQUEL BESTARD. Saint Francis Xavier in Ecstasy. — sold for €600 (Balclis), 2024-07-20
ATTRIBUTED TO MIQUEL BESTARD. Saint Francis Xavier in Ecstasy. — sold for €350 (Balclis), 2024-07-20

Expert notes

The most significant uncertainty affecting this appraisal is the painting's physical medium. From photographs, it is impossible to definitively determine if this is an oil painting on canvas or a reverse painting on glass. This is a critical distinction, as it changes the market category, the relevance of the condition issues, and the potential for it to be a later reproduction. We strongly recommend a physical examination by a professional painting conservator to resolve this question before any attempt to sell the work.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your painting worth, and why?.