Luca Giordano (Napoli, 1634 – 1705) bottega di

Luca Giordano (Naples, 1634 – 1705), workshop of Psychostasia of the Archangel Michael (probable preparatory sketch) Oil on canvas (58 x 43 cm - Framed 73 x 61 cm) Full details of the painting (click HERE) The subject of this fascinating canvas is taken from the Last Judgment, an extremely rare and particularly appreciated theme in painting, as it allowed artists to grapple with contorted poses, convulsive and sudden movements, pathos, and drama in compositions animated by sumptuous theatricality. In particular, here we see psychostasia, or the weighing of souls by St. Michael the Archangel: the Archangel is depicted in his armor with wings spread, his right arm stretched out to hold a staff to which scales are suspended, which he will use to evaluate the merits of the souls examined. This Christian tradition derives from ancient Egyptian religion, where the deceased were subjected to the weighing of the heart by the God Anubis before being allowed to enter the afterlife: if the verdict was in favor, Osiris welcomed the soul, defined as pure, into the "Fields of Reeds." Based on the Book of Revelation, he therefore had the power to examine souls before the final judgment: we see a collection of them taken by an angel to be led into heaven, with God the Father and Christ in the upper part welcoming the chosen souls into Paradise. While for the elect there will be the ascent into heaven, for the damned there will be the fall into the underworld, where the figures writhe falling towards the flames. The structure of the painting clearly reveals that we are faced with a precious preparatory sketch, presumably a study for a fresco or a larger altarpiece; this suggests that the final work was intended for the decoration of the bay of a church or a private chapel. It is a work that reflects the characteristics of the Neapolitan school between the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries: the warm and luminous colors, the clear and soft chromatic range, and the quick but precise brushstrokes are elements that lead us, in particular, to the production of Luca Giordano and the large group of his pupils. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The work sold is completed by a pleasant gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of 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 on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco