17th century religious painting The return of Tobias and the angel

17th century religious Old Master oil painting "The return of Tobias to his family by the angel"

This exquisite painting has been swiftly and confidently painted by a talented hand. We continue to research this piece and have already consulted with several art historians, there is a consensus that the painting dates from the 17th century and that the quality is very high. One expert proposed a date of creation of around 1630, others believe it to be more in the second half.

The Book of Tobit, also known as the Book of Tobias or the Book of Tobi, is a 3rd or early 2nd century BC Jewish work describing how God tests the faithful, responds to prayers, and protects the covenant community (i.e., the Israelites). It tells the story of two Israelite families, that of the blind Tobit in Nineveh and of the abandoned Sarah in Ecbatana. Tobit's son Tobias is sent to retrieve ten silver talents that Tobit once left in Rages, a town in Media; guided and aided by the angel Raphael he arrives in Ecbatana, where he meets Sarah. A demon named Asmodeus has fallen in love with her and kills anyone she intends to marry, but with the aid of Raphael the demon is exorcised and Tobias and Sarah marry, after which they return to Nineveh where Tobit is cured of his blindness. This key moment, the return of Tobias, is depicted in our painting.

The oil on panel measures ca. 40*57cms and with the frame ca. 54*71 cms.

Provenance:
Wieg collection
private collection Netherlands