NORTHERN ITALIAN SCHOOL, POSSIBLY EMILIA ROMAGNA (LATE 17TH CENTURY)

NORTHERN ITALIAN SCHOOL, POSSIBLY EMILIA ROMAGNA (LATE 17TH CENTURY) A bishop saint, probably Sainyt Hilary of Poitiers oil on canvas 37 x 27 cm The painting probably depicts the bishop Saint Hilary of Poitiers (310 – c. 367) defeating heresy, represented in the form of a dragon. A respected member of the community, Hilary was elected as the bishop of Poitiers around 350. He was also known as the "Hammer of the Arians", for his defense of the official doctrine of the Church against the doctrine of Arianism. He seems to be represented here while striking the dragon, and the man at his feet, with the flame of true faith glaring in his left hand. Saint Hilary (Ilario) is the patron saint of the town of Parma (in the Emilia Romagna region) since at least the Middle Ages.Click here to share: