
The work depicts St Philip Neri, co-founder of the Oratorian order of secular clergy, levitating before a vision of the Virgin and Child, whilst a little girl, shushed by her mother, suggests the Saint is the devil. The painting has references to the 'Oratorio' or sacred music drama which was a feature of the Oratorian movement. Benefial was one of the most important painters working in Rome in the early eighteenth century but most of his work is still in situ in Italy, which explains why he is not particularly well-known outside that country.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The vision of St Philip Neri, 1721
Date supported
2007
Medium and material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
100 x 65.1 cm
Grant
30000
Total cost
142000

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