Raffaelo di Giovanni Santi (1480-1520) - After XVIII Italian School Saint John The Baptist in the desert Medium: Oil on oak panel Provenance: From a private UK collection Overall size with the original gilt frame is 25 cm x 24 cm x 4 cm and the painting itself measuring 13 cm x 10.5 cm A rare and beautiful early 18th century small Italian School oil on oak panel version of Saint John the Baptist as a Boy in the desert after the original c. 1518-1519 oil painting from the workshop of Raphael which is now held in the Uffizi in Florence. A young Saint John the Baptist is traditionally represented as wearing only skins, often camel. In this case, he wears an exotic spotted fur wrapped around his body. Seated on a rock, he makes a gesture typical of Jesus to point to a cross on the left side of the painting The original painting of which the one offered is avery small - sized version of is usually identified with the work mentioned in Giorgio Vasari's Lives of the Artists as produced for cardinal Jacopo Berengario da Carpi. Other sources argue it was commissioned by Pompeo Colonna when he was made a cardinal by Pope Leo X. It is now generally accepted within a the art academic establishment that the Painting is attributed to the workshop of Raphael. The painting offered is a lovely example of the original painting and also it has craquelure throughout it none the less is something very rare given its size and extremely well painted . The original gilt frame is also very beautiful . The frame is offered as a gift( see notes below regarding frames). Condition report. The painting is in good original condition for its antiquity but has a thickish coat of old lacquer which has craved although the image itself is still clear. It maybe possible to have the lacquer removed if desired and re- lacquered; however we think it's very beautiful as it is in its original condition and the patina adds something to this lovely small painting. Please note: The frame has been added to the artwork by a third party/the seller, as such it’s not an integral part of the object. The frame is being provided to you at no additional costs so that when your artwork arrives at your house you can immediately display it on your wall. As such any damages to the frame itself, that do not affect the integrity of the artwork, cannot be accepted as a valid reason to open a claim or request a cancellation. We would also point out that whilst we insure all paintings before shipping that we have no control over shipping once we have sent the painting . The successful bidder will be responsible for paying any import duties and any associated VAT in the country of destination . Please refer to the auction terms regarding this before bidding. All of the art that we sell is insured for shipping ( subject to the above ). All shipping is professionally packed. . we have been getting most paintings shipped to most parts of the EU with 5 working days but we cannot guarantee this . We have on a couple of occasions experienced a few delays with customs in certain countries over the last few weeks. Please Note: Studio/Gallery photos of paintings on an easel on the published material are intended only to represent accurately the size of the painting within that room environment. Also refer to the shipping costs and note the auctioneers disclaimer regarding potential customs charges . We cannot calculate these as they are levied in the country of destination and the amount payable is determined by customs there and not by ourselves or the auctioneers. We have experienced some customs charging higher than expected import taxes; so we would advise bidders to attempt the establish the likely excise duties that your own National customs will charge you before bidding and committing to buy the painting. We must emphasise it is not the UK customs authorities.