17th century, Emilian School, Cherub with rose

17th century, Emilian School Cherub with rose Oil on canvas, 43.5 x 32 cm With frame 45 x 32.5 cm The figure of the cherub, when equipped with specific attributes, lends itself to multiple iconological meanings. This one is holding a delicate flower and at the same time cheerfully observing the viewer, spreading its soft wings. A tender light illuminates his face, defining the volumes of the composition. Thus, a fleeting allegory of love is implied, of which the cherub is the preferential representative, and the crystalline flower, which resembles both a rose and a peony, emphasizes both the temporality of the feeling and the joy that it brings. The little cherub's open wings, in addition to slenderizing the figure with a slight dynamism, emphasize the immanence of the amorous feeling, which is totalizing at the same time. The uncontaminated nature of the rose also interested the Christian world in the figurative arts, identifying the figure of the Virgin with it, called "Rose without thorns". In the pagan world, the flower was particularly related to the goddess Venus, but the subsequent medieval reflection on it gave rise to multiple symbolic nuances, linked, as mentioned before, to time, love, truth and innocence. The particular pink base, harmonized with the specific amber skin of the child, makes it possible to recognize an Emilian executive context, underlined, in advanced age, by the happy parable of Felice Fortunato Biggi (1680-1750), who proposed a similar Putto with flowers, now in a private collection in Brescia, in the 18th century, to demonstrate the territorial appreciation of the subject. Simone Cantarini (1612-1648) reproposed, through technical virtuosity, the same softness of complexion in the figure of Jesus with the painting Madonna with Child and San Carlo, now kept at the Galleria Pallavicini in Rome; defined by Luigi Lanzi as "A great self-esteemer, despising everyone else", the artist quickly became Guido Reni's most capable pupil, importing the Emilian manner into the Marche region. Evident stylistic assonances can also be attributed to the work of Carlo Cignani (1628-1719), another Bolognese artist, in particular in the putti holding the curtain of San Michele leading the Sipontini to victory and the Apparition of San Michele frescoed in the Bolognese church of San Michele in Bosco. The object is in good condition. With Ars Antiqua it is possible to defer all amounts up to a maximum of € 7,500 at ZERO RATE, for a total of 15 INSTALLMENTS. Ex. Tot. € 4,500 = Monthly installment € 300 for 15 months. Ex. Tot. € 3,600 = Monthly installment € 720 for 5 months. For amounts exceeding € 7,500 or for a longer deferral period (over 15 installments), we can provide a personalized payment. Contact us directly to get the best quote. LIVE TV – SUNDAY 7.00 PM – 11.00 PM Dig.terr. 126 + 809 SKY - THURSDAY 9.00 PM - 12.00 AM Dig.terr. 134 + 809 SKY – Streaming on our website www.arsantiquasrl.com and on our social media Facebook and Youtube All the works offered by Ars Antiqua are sold with a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law and an accurate in-depth sheet. It is possible to see the works directly at the Milan showroom gallery, in via Pisacane 55 and 57. We personally organize transport and delivery of the works, both for Italy and abroad.