Allegory of the Order St John of Jerusalem

Period18th century

Classification(s)

Art / Paintings

Object TypePainting

Registration NumberMMM 002813

DescriptionAn allegory representing a putto on the foreground of the picture plane, wearing a blue sash and holding a large flag of the Order; on a field red, a white cross. He stands on a domed shield, next to a dagger with a lion pommel. The Ottoman flag, on a field red a black crescent, is visible in the background. Other significant iconographical symbols observed underneath the putto include an Ottoman turban, two cannons, and a green and a pink flags in the background. The background receeds into a light blue colour representing the sky, with clouds. The painting was potentially part of a larger rendition, and probably symbolises the achievements of the Order of St. John over the Ottomans.Technique

Oil on canvas, stretched on a strainer auxiliary frame.

Dimensions229 x 145.5cm

Alternate ID Numbers