Giacomo Stella (Brescia 1545 - Roma 1630)

Giacomo Stella (Brescia 1545 - Rome 1630) Allegory of Time Pointing to Truth Oil on canvas (192 x 74 cm - In gilded frame 198 x 81 cm) The work is accompanied by a critical study drawn up by Professor Emilio Negro (Bologna) Full details relating to this painting can be viewed directly at the following - LINK - The beautiful allegorical composition under examination, which portrays a proud female figure, was originally conceived to be part of the representative furnishings of a large noble palace, and represents the personification of Time pointing to Truth (a second interpretation, although less fitting, could be the cardinal virtue of Temperance). This allegorical typology, with a marked Renaissance flavour due to its underlying meanings of great political as well as moral value, was very successful throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, inducing the viewer to lead, based on past events, a life dedicated to discipline, to Truth in fact. The allegory is personified by a girl in iridescent red robes, with her index finger raised in a sign of warning; she holds the book of History in her hands, the temporal consequentiality of which allows us to have the tools to achieve wisdom, while at her feet we can see an hourglass, the quintessential symbol of the passage of time. The work, the execution of which expresses elegance and power at the same time, can be attributed to Giacomo Stella (Brescia 1545 - Rome 1630), a significant Mannerist artist active between the 16th and 17th centuries, from Brescia by origin but active especially in Rome, where he moved at a young age, under the pontificates of Gregory XIII (1572-1585) and his successors Sixtus V (1585-1590) and Urban VIII. In the papal city he came into contact with Girolamo Muziano and Cesare Nebbia, who were active in many of the main projects of the late 16th century commissioned by the papacy. Among these, the most important is the fresco of one of the major religious works of the time, the construction and decoration of the Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (not to be confused with the one in the Vatican), destined to become a funereal chapel for Pope Sixtus V. A painter of great temperament and endowed with a beautiful naturalist burst, the great frescoes of the 'Resurrection' and the 'Creation of Eve', at the Scala Santa in Rome, are certainly due to his unique hand. Condition: Old restorations related to the era of the canvas and colour retouches are visible on the painting. The painting is sold together with a pleasant gilded wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/