Ippolito Caffi (Belluno 1809-Lissa 1866) attr.

The Girandola of Castel Sant' Angelo ------------- Attributed to Ippolito Caffi (Belluno 1809-Lissa 1866) ------------- Oil on canvas ------------- Signed C.P. lower right ------------- Mid-19th century ------------- Canvas size 32 x 25, contemporary frame 37 x 30 ------------- Excellent condition ------------- This splendid jewel, masterfully painted, depicts in a miniaturized way the extraordinary pyrotechnic spectacle that took place annually in Rome in past centuries. -------------------- In addition to highlighting a remarkable pictorial quality, this small work constitutes a rare and interesting historical document. ----------- According to tradition, the event was conceived by Michelangelo Buonarroti for the celebrations of Saints Peter and Paul, founders of the Church and patrons of the city of Rome. ------------- Its origins date back to the 16th century, when the Papal State celebrated the main holidays with fires set up above the entrance of Castel Sant'Angelo to form a girandola, with a famous final fountain that gushed over the entire monument. ------------- In 1886 the show, considered too dangerous by the Italian authorities, was interrupted, only to be revived in recent years. --------------- The spectacular event was repeatedly depicted by the talented Master Ippolito Caffi, specialized in the description of city views with a very personal use of color, often bordering on the surreal. -------------------- This painting has all the characteristics of some famous large canvases by Caffi with the same scene, so much so that it could be a prototype exhibited in his atelier, to show to customers who requested it. .