Luigi Garzi (Pistoia 1638 – Roma1721)

Roman School of the early 18th century Luigi Garzi (Pistoia 1638 – Rome 1721) attributed Still life of fruit supported by three angels Oil on oval canvas 116 x 91 cm, framed 140 x 119 cm Authentic on photograph by Professor Giancarlo Sestieri, who attributes the work to the circle of Luigi Garzi Complete details of the aforementioned painting: https://www.antichitacastelbarco.it/it/prodotto/natura-morta-di-frutta-sorretta-da-tre-angeli This magnificent canvas, depicting a lavish composition of fruit supported by three prosperous winged putti, from which emerges a parchment bearing the Latin expression "Amor est vitae essentiae," is to be placed in the production of a Roman artist active between the second half of the 17th century and the early part of the following century. The iconography of putti with fruit or flowers is frequent in the Baroque period, especially in Rome, starting in the 17th century, with that particular figurative trend aimed at illusionistic and frivolous images, a type of paintings or frescoes of strong decorative value, destined for the private context and depicting precisely a riot of putti, angels or cherubs, of which our canvas represents a perfect example. We can recall, among the most illustrious iconographic precedents, the elegant painted mirrors by Mario Nuzzi and Carlo Maratta that adorn the salon of Palazzo Colonna in Rome, and also the canvas preserved in the Rouen museum and those similar in Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, with the collaboration for the figured parts of Filippo Lauri. The commercial and furnishing fortune of similar works is also testified by authors such as Guglielmo Cortese, known as Borgognone (1628 - 1679), Franz Werner Von Tamm (1658 - 1724), Giovan Battista Gaulli (1639 - 1709), Giovanni Paolo Castelli known as Spadino (Rome 1650 - 1740) and the already mentioned Carlo Maratta (1625 - 1713). The work, studied by Giancarlo Sestieri, has been approached to the circle of the eclectic painter from Pistoia, Luigi Garzi, among the protagonists of Roman painting in the decades of transition between the 17th and 18th centuries. In our painting, we can find the typical elements of his painting: soft and delicately chiaroscuro light, the sculptural classicism of the figures, as well as the stunning lighting and chromatic effects. The formation and artistic activity of Luigi Garzi took place in the Eternal City, and he was, in all respects, a Roman artist. Having moved to Rome from Pistoia, his hometown, when he was very young, he joined the studio of Andrea Sacchi, who directed his studies towards classicism, confronting himself with the works of Raphael, Domenichino, and Nicolas Poussin, but also with the Emilian school, with particular attention to the school of Guido Reni. But the Emilian examples were undoubtedly preferred, particularly favoring Giovanni Lanfranco, who shaped his taste and style, together with a modulated Cortonism, while those pre-eighteenth-century sensibilities are due to the lesson of Carlo Maratta. However, it is undeniable that the painter oriented his personality without ever bowing to imitation, achieving a refined elegance and autonomy of language, as the canvas in question clearly demonstrates, in which the different influences find a refined blend and in perfect harmony with the Baroque evolution between the 17th and 18th centuries, indicating a dating to his early maturity. These attitudes led the painter to obtain early recognition and prestigious commissions, such as the frescoes of Palazzo Borghese and San Carlo al Corso, where the memories of Domenichino and Reni emerge, up to the dome of the Cybo Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo. Returning to the work, we can then presume a mature chronological placement, for the peculiar drafting, which is based on enamel-toned brushstrokes and a heartfelt classicism. The painting is in excellent condition, with a beautiful antique frame. The work is accompanied by a photographic certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law. We take care of and organize the transport of the works purchased, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. For any additional information, do not hesitate to contact us. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/