Saint Anthony of Padua (Florence)

The painting, which represents only one figure of Saint, Anthony of Padua, is located in the conventual part of the complex of Santa Croce in Florence.
The depicted subject, in the act of turning his gaze to God, wears the Franciscan habit and bears the attribute of the flame, since he is recognized as the protector against the disease commonly called “Saint Anthony’s Fire”.
 
This work has been the subject of debate among art critics: traced back to a coeval phase to the Saint Anthony from Bettona and Blessed Giacomo della Marca in Perugia, it was either attributed to Perugino, or to a talented student who may have used the teacher’s cartoon.
 
The painting is preserved at the Santa Croce complex in Florence.