Ambito di Orazio Gentileschi

Splendid oil on canvas (113cm x 147cm), first half of the 17th century. Executed by a skilled and knowledgeable painter in the Caravaggio tradition who has managed to render with vigor the monumentality of the figures that stand out against the darkness of the room through the filtering of light, guaranteeing a certain impact on the observer. Some details of this painting are admirably and expertly investigated, such as the drapery of Judith's dress, which are analytically described: the sleeve of the shirt and the iridescence of the mustard-colored dress, which appears to be made of a precious damask fabric like velvet, demonstrating the painter's inclination to study from life. The woman's face, while displaying the decapitated and bloody head of Holofernes, also of quality in design and rendering, shows signs of pride and awareness of having succeeded in the fight against evil. The handmaiden behind her, gazing at her in astonishment and curiosity, is skillfully painted and well expresses the emotion of the moment. The Tuscan Caravaggio painter who executed it gave fundamental prominence to the play of light, and the warm chromaticity that creates intimacy and intensity throughout the scene is also skillfully calibrated. The pictorial environment to which we can rely is certainly close to the master Orazio Gentileschi (1563 Pisa - 1639 London) and it is probably one of his students, and in fact there is a painting with the same scene, subjects and positions, which however appears to be in the state of 'Unfinished' and attributed to Orazio and Assistants. (Source catalog on Artemisia Gentileschi, Palazzo Reale, page 138) The painting is in excellent condition and has its beautiful contemporary gilded frame that measures a section of about 10-12 cm. We attach a certificate of historical guarantee of authenticity to the sale of the work. Discover our online catalog at www.antichitabompadre.com