Oil on copper, 1785, signed "Andreas Lopez" and dated at lower right, presented in a period carved and gilt frame.

Copper panel 30 1/8 x 22 3/4 in.; Frame dimensions 40 1/2 x 35 in.

By descent through the family of Napoleon Hill (1830-1909), the "Merchant Prince of Memphis, Tennessee"

Andrés Lopéz was one of the early instructors at the Royal Academy of San Carlos, founded in Mexico City in 1783. It was the first major art academy and the first art museum in the Americas. Lopéz was quite prolific, producing everything from religious paintings to allegorical works to portraits of dignitaries.

Saint Michael the Archangel was a common subject across the Spanish Americas. His role as a defender of the faith was understood as protecting and promoting the expansionist agenda of the Catholic church, supporting the European colonialism and the conversion of Indigenous people of the Americas.

This painting and the frame have been lightly cleaned. A full report is available upon request.

$5,000 - 10,000