Lot 46 Dα

According to the painter and writer Giovanni Baglione (1571-1643), Sigmund Laire, who came from Bavaria, moved to Rome some time before 1585, where he studied with the Flemish painter Frans van de Casteele (Francesco da Castello) and specialized in miniatures. Although he apparently did not receive any public commissions, he still achieved considerable fame. Sigismondo Laire was in close contact with the Spanish Jesuits, especially the missionaries, for whom he created many small-format paintings on copper, such as the present work. The back of the piece bears the collection number 42 in black paint.