L'arcangelo Raffaele e Tobiolo

Executed in tempera, the painting displays meticulous brushwork, especially in the intricate detailing of the armor’s red skirt, gold belt, and the luminous gold background. The medium’s quick‑drying properties allowed Mazone to achieve fine linear precision and a vibrant, layered surface.

Giovanni Mazone, born circa 1453 in Alessandria, came from a family of painters; his father Giacomo was also active in the trade. Mazone’s career was centered in Genoa, where he worked as both painter and woodcarver before the work entered the Kunsthaus Zürich collection, though earlier ownership records are sparse.

The painting reflects the devotional trends of late‑medieval Italy, where saints and angels were rendered with courtly elegance to appeal to patrons seeking both spiritual intercession and visual prestige. The inclusion of luxurious armor and sumptuous fabrics aligns with contemporary courtly aesthetics.