Attr. a Carlo Cignani (1628 – 1719)

? Attr. to Carlo Cignani (Bologna, 1628 – Forlì, 1719) | Late 17th century ? Madonna in prayer ? Oil on canvas, 67 x 55 cm ? Coeval frame, in gilded wood, finely carved, 74 x 60 cm The refined Madonna in prayer examined is traditionally attributed to Carlo Cignani (1628-1719), one of the greatest interpreters of late Baroque Emilian classicism. The work presents all the typical stylistic characteristics of the painter: the smoothness of the faces, the softness of the chiaroscuro passages and the ecstatic composure of the expression, as evidenced also by comparisons with the master's known works. To be mentioned are the Virgin with Child of the Musée Condé (Château de Chantilly) for the same ecstatic pose and the smooth treatment of the complexion, but also the Saint Cecilia passed on the antique market in 2015, with which it probably shares the same cartoon, given the same composition (Freeman Fine Arts, Philadelphia USA, 01/27/2015 - Lot 36, $ 6,000). Cignani was a pupil of Francesco Albani and inspired by Guido Reni and Correggio. Founder of the Academy of the Nude in Bologna and active in Parma, Forlì and Rome, his painting stands out for its formal elegance, delicate chromatism and compositional balance. His students include Marcantonio Franceschini and Donato Creti. The Virgin is represented here with her gaze turned to the sky, immersed in an atmosphere of intense spirituality, with one hand emphatically brought to her chest, while in the other she holds a prayer book. The light slides delicately over the face and hands, underlining the candor and purity of the figure, alluding to her role as mediator to the Son. The prayerful and collected attitude of the Virgin is iconographically linked both to the theme of the praying Madonna and to that of the Virgin Annunciate. The position of the hands, the expression of submissive acceptance and the elegance of the blue cloak recall numerous depictions of the Annunciation, in which Mary, surprised by the divine presence, expresses her "fiat" with grace and humility. This iconography was very dear to the devotional painting of the 17th century, especially in the Emilian area, where Cignani worked. In particular, the intimate and collected rendering of the scene finds strong consonances with models by Correggio and Guido Reni, to whom Cignani looks as expressive ideals of spirituality and composed beauty. Packaging and insured shipping to ensure maximum safety during transport. For more information, please contact us +39 3335747733 – info@dequart.com Possibility of VIDEO CALLS and direct views by appointment in MILAN and OMEGNA (Vb). 
Measures H x L x P 67 x 55 x