Allegory of the Fleet of Ships-of-the-Line of the Order of Saint John

Allegory of the Fleet of Ships-of-the-Line of the Order of Saint John

Alternate title

Allegorical Painting with the Madonna of the Fleet

Attributed to Gaetano Calleja (1760 - 1838)

Classification(s)

Art / Paintings

Object TypePainting

Registration NumberMMM 004863

DescriptionA framed oil on canvas painting of 'The Madonna of the Fleet.' The painting depicts the Virgin and Child atop clouds which open up behind them into a golden-coloured heavenly realm. Below them on either side, forming a harmonious and stable pyramidal composition typical of the Renaissance and Baroque eras in art, are St John the Baptist on the left and St Francis on the right. St John is recognisable by his iconographic attributes, namely the lamb, his animal skin vestment, and his staff with a banner which in Latin reads 'ECCE AGNUS DEI,' meaning 'Behold the Lamb of God.' Behind St John is an angel who holds the Flag of St John the Baptist depicting a white cross on a red background. This flag was used by the Order of St John. St Francis is recognisable from his brown tunic, the rope as a belt, the rosary beads, and the book and white lilies at his feet signifying his devotion towards the Virgin Mary. Behind him, an intermediate to the saint and the Virgin and Child, is a half length figure of St Dominic, iconographically recognisable from his white and blue vestments and the flame on top of his head. Curiously, the flame replaces the usual red star. He is also winged, which is not his usual iconography. He gazes out towards the viewer and gestures towards the Virgin and Child as an invitation to participate in the scene. Below the Madonna and behind the figures is a seascape.

The painting is framed in a wooden gilt frame.
InscriptionsOn verso, centre, in black ink onto the canvas "Gaetano Calleja Fece". On the upper member of the auxiliary frame, inverted, in pencil "Gaetano Calleja". Technique

Oil on canvas, stretched on a stretcher frame; water-gilt decorative frame

Dimensions69.9 x 95.5cm (framed); 51.4 x 67.5cm (unframed)

Alternate ID Numbers