Saint Fabiola Painting Value Guide

This early 20th-century Italian portrait depicts Saint Fabiola, the 4th-century Roman matron who founded Europe's first public hospital. Highly collectible for its religious significance and striking aesthetic, this piece is a faithful reproduction of Jean-Jacques Henner's famous 1885 masterpiece.

What Is Saint Fabiola Painting Worth?

The typical price range for Saint Fabiola Painting is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the gilt wood frame, as original period framing significantly enhances the $75-$120 price range.
• The quality of the oil application, specifically how closely it mimics Henner's signature sfumato technique.
• Provenance and origin markings, with verified Italian pieces from 1900-1920 holding higher collector interest.
• Overall preservation of the red pigments, which are prone to fading or darkening over time.

How to Identify Saint Fabiola Painting?

• Look for the distinctive profile view of the saint wearing a vibrant red veil against a dark background.
• Examine the frame for authentic early 1900s gilt wood construction consistent with Italian craftsmanship.
• Verify the medium as oil paint on wood panel, typical for high-quality devotional reproductions of this era.
• Check for the absence of modern mechanical printing dots to ensure it is a hand-painted work rather than a later lithograph.

History of Saint Fabiola Painting

Saint Fabiola was a wealthy Roman matron of the fourth century who, after divorcing her abusive husband, dedicated her life and fortune to Christian charities, most notably establishing the first public hospital in Europe. Her image has been widely replicated, with Jean-Jacques Henner's 1885 portrait being the most famous interpretation, inspiring countless copies and reproductions throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This piece appears to be a smaller reproduction of that iconic work.