Giovan Battista Salvi (1609 - 1685) seguace

Giovan Battista Salvi known as "il Sassoferrato" (1609 - 1685) circle/follower Old painting 'Jesus with the patron's son' (or Saint Joseph with the Child, or the 'Paternity') Oil on canvas (76 x 59 cm, with a non-coeval small temple-shaped frame 99 x 84 cm) All the details relating to this painting can be viewed at the following - link - The interesting canvas that we are pleased to offer you recalls the iconographic model of classic paternity, which traditionally sees Saint Joseph tenderly holding the sleeping baby Jesus in his arms. Although common popular tradition would have him as a mature man, in reality the Bible does not mention Joseph's age when Jesus came into the world and therefore there has been no shortage of painters, of all ages, who have portrayed him at a young age as could be for our painting. An aspect that makes our work extremely intriguing, and which deserves a deeper interpretation, is the face of Joseph, whose somatic traits unequivocally recall those that we usually identify with Christ. A possible alternative and certainly original reading, our preferred one, could be that which sees Christ with a child in his arms, joined to the figure of the patron of the work of art, therefore a painting commissioned for a birth or as an auspicious gift, from whose affective interaction between father and son exudes a strong sense of tenderness and protection together. Turning now to stylistic aspects, we are faced with a painting presenting the unmistakable requirements of devotional representations which made the workshop of Giovan Battista Salvi known as Sassoferrato famous, although it illustrates a rather unusual subject compared to his more canonical iconography linked to single Marian depictions or with the Child. Sassoferrato, from the name of his native city in the Marche region, trained in Rome together with Domenichino, coming into contact with the classicism of the great masters of the past, in particular Raphael, his continuous source of inspiration. Our author, active between the 17th and 18th centuries, must necessarily have studied the works of Sassoferrato, celebrated for his easel paintings of devotional subjects characterized by a refined intimacy, a character that we find evident in the present painting. The remarkable elegance in the description of the figure of Joseph (or Christ) and the serene composure of his expression convey a feeling of solemn sacredness, in a composition far from any reference to the Passion. We believe this painting to be extremely suggestive as well as of excellent workmanship, characterized by a vivid chromatic layout irradiated by a clear light, typical prerogatives of Salvi's palette, which well highlight the smooth surface of the composition. Finally, it is worth mentioning the author's incredible ability to take up from his style that beautiful play of light and shadow, emphasized by the perfection of the sfumato that defines the harmonious forms, with the result that the two protagonists seem irradiated by a halo of supernatural light. The conservation conditions of the work appear good, with some old restoration. The painting is completed by a pleasant small temple-shaped frame. SUPPLEMENTARY 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 Riva del Garda gallery, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Also follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/