Venetian School, second half 16th century. Tobias and Sarah led to Nineveh by the Archangel Azariah, oil on canvas, 48 x 56 cm, with frame 58 x 72 cm. This canvas, realised with a precious colouring and skilful stroke, can be linked to Veneto production from the second half of the 16th century. The subject of the painting is probably taken from the Bible. The episode in question refers to the story of Sarah, daughter of Raguele, who was the victim of a demon in love, Asmodeus, who killed her husband on her wedding night every time she married. She prays to God to save her from the slander of the people. The prayers cause God to send Tobiah from Nineveh to Ecbatana where Sarah lives, to marry her. Tobiah makes his journey together with Azariah, an archangel, who, however, appears in the guise of an experienced traveller. It is he who advises Tobias to extract the gall, liver and heart from a fish, caught along a river where the two had found rest from their long journey, and to preserve it in a bag. When Sarah and Tobiah meet, they realise that their meeting is the result of God's will. Father Raguele blesses the newlyweds and invites the servants to prepare the bridal chamber, but also to dig a pit for superstition. However, Tobias, under the Angel's advice, burns the gall, liver and heart of the fish in a brazier before joining his bride. The bad smell emanating from the brazier drives away the demon Asmodeus, who will never return. The young couple leave the next day for Nineveh laden with animals, servants and other riches donated by Raguele, still accompanied by Azariah, who reveals himself to be the Archangel Raphael once they arrive in Nineveh and after advising Tobiah to sprinkle the gall on the eyes of Tobiah's father, who regains his sight. The painted scene shows Tobias and Sarah, newlyweds, being accompanied to Nineveh by the Angel, who is depicted in an original way with his back turned, the index fingers of both hands pointing to show the way to the newlyweds, who look at each other in love. The main group is accompanied by animals, a servant and some pottery, (of Venetian memory and in particular that of Bassano) i.e. the gifts given to the bride and groom by Raguele. The human figures are half-length shots and the painter lacks perspective depth, placing the group of bride and groom and the angel on an upper level and the shepherd/servant with animals on a lower one. In the background, the course of a river can be glimpsed, recalling the place from which Tobias catches the fish from which he will extract the elements that will save him from the devil. The story depicted here is rather rare in the history of art, which sees other Tobias' stories in greater detail, such as Tobias and the Angel, Tobias Fishing for the Fish or the Marriage of Tobias and Sarah. The object is in a good state of preservation.
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