**First Time At Auction**

Attributed to Paul Bril (Netherlandish, 1554 - 1626). Tobias and Angel - oil on wood, ca. 17th century. A large oil on wood painting with a brass plate inscribed "PAUL BRIL 1554-1626" on the custom frame, featuring Tobias and the Archangel Raphael in an Italianate landscape. The artist used rich jewel tones to paint the figures in the foreground and comparatively subtle hues for the surrounding wilderness and landscape beyond. While there are many allegorical images of guardian angels, this composition is distinguished by iconography pertaining to the Book of Tobit, most notably the dog to the left of the pair and the fish in Tobias's left hand. According to the story (Book of Tobit, 5.5-6), Raphael and Tobias are accompanied by a dog as they travel along the River Tigris to Media. Along their journey, Raphael asks Tobias to catch a fish, as the innards will be used to cure his father's blindness. Size (sight view): 19.5" L x 27.25" W (49.5 cm x 69.2 cm) Size (frame): 23.5" L x 31.25" W (59.7 cm x 79.4 cm)

Please Note: The pigments of this painting have been tested via x-ray florescence and are consistent with the period.

Paul Bril (alternatively Paul Brill, Paul Prull, Paulo Brilli, Paulus Bril) was born and raised in Antwerp. He lived and worked in Rome circa 1582 and 1626 and was greatly influenced by the work of Annibale Carracci. Following in his brother Matthias's footsteps, he sketched classical architecture and included this imagery in his paintings. An important landscape painter who worked in a variety of mediums such as fresco and paintings on copper, Bril became an exemplar in his field and his example encouraged many other northern artists to travel to Rome.

Narrative from the Book of Tobit: The story begins with Tobit, a devout Jew, his wife Anna, and their son Tobias living in Nineveh during the 8th century BCE Jewish exile in Assyria. Tobit cared for those in need and ensured a proper burial for those who met their deaths ordered by the king. As the years went on, he lost his sight following a curious accident - as he was resting in the outdoors, sparrow droppings fell into his eyes causing inflammation and blindness. Sensing that death was approaching, Tobit asked his son to go to Media to collect money owed to him. On this journey, Tobias met the Archangel Raphael who agreed to accompany him. Interestingly, Tobias mistook the angel for a mere mortal. Wings were a later Christian convention inspired by classical Roman images of the winged Victory. The pair set off with Tobias' dog in tow. Upon reaching the River Tigris, Tobias decided to bathe when suddenly a huge fish leapt out of the water. The fish was set to devour Tobias; however, Tobias followed Raphael's instructions to catch and gut the fish, set aside the liver, heart, and gall. According to the angel, when burned the heart and liver would drive off evil spirits and the gall would cure Tobit's leucoma. They continued on their journey, and upon Raphael's suggestion stayed with a kinsman whose daughter, Sarah, seemed like the perfect bride for Tobias. Sarah turned out to be a demon who had killed several husbands before the marriage could be consummated. Only in this case, the demon was exorcized thanks to the fish's interior organs, and the couple married happily. Upon returning to Nineveh, Tobias used the gall to restore his father's eyesight. When they offered the archangel a reward for everything he had done, he revealed his identity whereupon Tobit and Tobias fell in disbelief and wonder.

Provenance: private Rancho Mirage, California, USA collection, by inheritance in 2020; ex-Dr. TDR Berreth, California, USA, acquired before 1982

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#179138

Painting has expected age wear with a few scuffs and stable fissures to the wood panel. There is no inpainting. Imagery is vivid and hues are strong. The pigments have been tested via x-ray florescence and are consistent with the period. Painting is mounted in a custom frame with a brass plate that is inscribed "PAUL BRIL 1554-1626".