Scipione Pulzone (Gaeta 1550 – Roma 1598) cerchia

Painter active in Rome in the 16th century, circle of Scipione Pulzone (Gaeta 1550 – Rome 1598) The Pietà (Dead Christ supported by the Madonna) oil on canvas, cm. 78 x 94 framed cm. 86 x 102   All the details of the artwork can be consulted directly on: https://www.antichitacastelbarco.it/it/prodotto/la-pieta-con-due-cherubini-roma-500   Observing the remarkable quality as well as the elegance of the design of this intense Pietà from the 16th century, we can associate its execution with the most refined works of late Roman Mannerism. In particular, there are many points of contact with the mature style of Scipione Pulzone, known as 'il Gaetano' (Gaeta 1550 – Rome 1598), whose thriving workshop reproduced this subject in numerous variations. The artist is considered one of the most original exponents of painting in the age of the Counter-Reformation and one of the most esteemed artists active in the Roman territory in the second half of the sixteenth century. In the canvas proposed here, our author has been able to render the moment of the Lamentation of Christ in an extraordinary way, demonstrating precision, realism and emotional depth in the interpretation of the sacred union between the Madonna and Christ, through a masterful play of contrasts of colours and lights and shadows. The pietistic and devotional cut of Counter-Reformation painting is evident in the canvas: the representation, with a great dramatic effect, shows Christ, after being placed down from the cross, welcomed into the arms of the Virgin. There is a strong physical and psychological characterization of the characters rendered by the marked chiaroscuro effects and the thick contour lines used to construct the plastic and sculptural shapes; the intense maternal compassion is manifested by the expression on her face which, aware of the son's destiny, exudes suffering, but also calm resignation. Christ, abandoned in the maternal embrace, shows a painful but at the same time serene face, made even more exciting by the smile that seems to hint at the Virgin. The painter has preferred cold tones, with a purplish background, creating an intense and surreal effect, not without Iberian and Flemish influences. The detail of the chroma with which our author wanted to define the background is also incredibly full of charm and spiritual meaning: purple is linked to repentance, expiation and sacrifice. The painting, like all our objects, is sold with a photographic certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law (FIMA). For more details, please contact us: we are at your complete disposal for any information.