Carlo Maratta (Camerano 1625 - Roma 1713) bottega

Pair of angels with floral festoon and cartouche with the family motto 'Pulchriora latent'. Workshop of Carlo Maratta (Camerano, 1625 - Rome, 1713) Dated on the parchment, on the right: 1697 oil on panel (94 x 84 cm - framed 105 x 95 cm) The complete details of this work can be found directly from the following - LINK - This magnificent composition, depicting two small flying cupids intent on supporting a garland of flowers, can be attributed, both for its stylistic characteristics and compositional taste, to a master active in the fervent Baroque Rome of the 17th century. One of the two cherubs cheerfully prepares to grab the bow of the garland with his head turned downwards, while with the other hand he displays a parchment showing, in addition to the date of execution, the Latin expression "Pulchriora latent" ("The most beautiful things are hidden"), which could plausibly recall the motto of the commissioning family. A second winged putto, perched on a cloud, watches the scene holding the other end of the garland, richly decorated with various types of flowers, enriching the composition with a passage of excellent quality still life. The iconography of putti with flowers is frequent in the Baroque period, especially in the Roman sphere, congenial to the new bourgeois class, who wanted more illusionistic and frivolous images for their residences, and therefore aspired to a type of paintings with strong decorative value, depicting triumphs of putti, angels or cherubs, and of which our panel represents an emblematic example. Going into the details of the composition, its design invention, in addition to the splendid light and chromatic effects, lead us to link its paternity to the inventive flair of the workshop of Carlo Maratta (1625 - 1713). Note how the soft roundness of the playful putti, the brushstroke that defines the flowing hair and their soft complexions, are characteristic elements of his art. In particular, it is useful to remember the series of paintings commissioned in 1692 by the banker Francesco Montioni for his palace in Rome (Works of Palazzo Montioni, Rome: link), and which Maratta himself executed with the collaboration of his pupil Franz Werner von Tamm (1658-1724). Also in collaboration with Tamm, Carlo Maratta repeated these compositions for the Marquis Nicolò Maria Pallavicini. This still life iconography immediately found resonance among Roman collectors, and was therefore replicated and varied on numerous occasions. Among these, the 'Garland of Flowers with Cupids' (Sotheby's, London, July 6, 1994, n. 115), finds correspondences with our painting: A particularity that makes this work unique is that the panel is also painted on the back with two vertical ornaments with acanthus leaf motifs, which seem carved in 'trompe l'oeil' style. One could presume their original function as doors for a chamber organ. Excellent state of preservation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize 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/