A Monumental Italian Devotional Painted Tapestry, 18th Century

An imposing and rare 18th-century Italian painted tapestry, standing at an impressive 217 cm in height. This large-scale work is executed on a heavy-gauge woven ground and serves as a significant example of Baroque ecclesiastical decoration, specifically celebrating one of Italy’s most philanthropic historical figures.

The tapestry centers on an expertly rendered cherub, who emerges from a celestial cloudscape to present a grand architectural cartouche. The inscription reads:

"B.TO MARCO DA MONTE GALLO" > (The Blessed Marco da Montegallo, 1425–1496)

Marco da Montegallo was a nobleman and physician who became a Franciscan friar. He is revered in Italian history as the founder of the Monti di Pietà—charitable pawnshops established to provide low-interest loans to the poor, protecting them from predatory usury. This tapestry was likely commissioned for a chapel or a charitable institution in the Marche or Veneto regions to honour his legacy as a "Preacher of Love."

The central scene is framed by a sophisticated, wide border featuring a continuous garland of fruits, vines, and floral motifs, punctuated by classical bows and further cherubim in the upper spandrels.

This is a painted work on textile, a medium that allowed the artist to achieve the fluid, ethereal quality seen in the cloudscape and the delicate anatomy of the cherubic figures.

Dealer’s Comments

"This is a true 'decorator’s' piece with a profound narrative. Its sheer scale, over seven feet tall—provides an instant sense of history to a room. The connection to Marco da Montegallo adds a fascinating layer of social history; it isn't just a religious object, but a tribute to one of the Renaissance's great philanthropists. The palette of soft ochres, sky blues, and earthy siennas has mellowed into a wonderfully 'dry' aesthetic that feels incredibly modern despite its 300-year history. It carries the unmistakable atmosphere of an old Italian palazzo."

Condition Report

The tapestry is in original, unrestored condition. It possesses an attractive, "dry" antique texture consistent with its age and long-term exposure in a Mediterranean climate.

The ground fabric is stable but has become moderately brittle over time.

 The hand-painted pigments remain vibrant, though there is expected localised fading and minor surface abrasions consistent with centuries of hanging.

There are a couple of small horizontal tears, measuring approximately 2–10 cm each, located in the upper portion of the sky.

• Recommendation: These areas require professional attention—either through localised "stopping" or a fine linen backing—to secure the weave and prevent further tension damage.

Measurement

Height:            217 cm /     85.4 inch

Width:             114 cm /     44.9 inch

Depth:             1 cm /          0.4 inch

Weight:           3.4 k.g. /     7.5 lbs