Lot 1369 Dα

Johann Benedikt Witz

Saint Anthony of Padua and the Miracle of the Host

Carved pear wood, the reverse flattened. This relief in an ornamental rocaille surround depicts a scene from the life of Saint Anthony of Padua. When a non-believer expressed doubt regarding the presence of Christ in the sacraments, Saint Anthony called for a donkey to be brought to him that had not eaten for three days. When the Saint approached the animal carrying a monstrance containing a consecrated host, it lay down before him without even touching the food that was offered to it. The scene is accentuated in the upper section by a censing angel and inscribed "ECCe DOMINUS DeUS TUUS." The piece can be dated to around 1765 - 1767 and forms a pendant to the following lot.
Minimal wear. 31.5 x 23.5 x 3.5 cm.