Paolo De Matteis ( 1662 - 1728)

Paolo De Matteis (Piano del Cilento, 1662 - Naples, 1728) attributed/workshop Triumph of the Trinity with the Madonna, Saint Joseph, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Ignatius, Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Augustine (Preparatory sketch for altarpiece) Oil on canvas 76 x 51 cm - with frame 85 x 61 cm The proposed painting, depicting the triumph of the Trinity, stands out for the refined but natural grace of the faces and gestures, and the precision of the design combined with a soft tonality of warm but vivid colors, presents this painting with the refined taste of early eighteenth-century Naples tempered by Roman aesthetics. These clues allow us to narrow down the authorship to the workshop of Paolo De Matteis (Piano del Cilento, 1662 - Naples, 1728), one of Luca Giordano's most important students in Naples, and an author who would mark the development of eighteenth-century Neapolitan art. In the composition it is in fact possible to find the strong imprint inherited from Giordano's works, mixed however with a pleasant Marattesque taste, even if De Matteis tends to balance the two components, reaching a balance in the representation of the scene. The painting depicts the triumphant Trinity with Jesus in the upper center - holding the cross, God the Father and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove - with the Madonna and Saint Joseph on opposite sides sitting on a cloud. In the lower level, the theory of saints who kneel and adore the Trinity unfolds: from the left, one can recognize Saint John the Baptist holding the palm, symbol of martyrdom, in his right hand, Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit congregation, Saint Francis Xavier with a youthful face holding a white lily and finally, on the far right, the figure of Augustine dressed as a bishop and with a mature face. The structure of the painting clearly reveals that we are faced with a precious preparatory sketch, presumably a study for a fresco or an altarpiece of larger dimensions; this suggests that the final work was intended for the decoration of the bay of a church or a private chapel. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a pleasant gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to arrange a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/