Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari (Roma 1654–1727)

Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari (Rome 1654–1727) Venus with Adonis and Cupid Oil on canvas (41 x 49 cm. - With frame 58 x 65 cm.) Full details (click HERE) The pleasing subject of the painting on display here is taken from numerous classical sources, including the poem Metamorphoses, in which the Latin poet Ovid recounts the passion between Venus, goddess of beauty and love, and the handsome mortal youth Adonis. Madly in love with her beloved, thanks to the help of an arrow shot by Cupid, the goddess decided to follow the handsome hunter in his hunting activity, no longer paying attention to the ornaments of her charm and her usual occupations. Despite the continuous exhortations of Venus to be prudent during the hunt, one day the proud Adonis would unfortunately meet his death, wounded in the leg by a wild boar. The canvas does not depict the tragic epilogue of the story but rather the moments preceding it, with Adonis determined to leave despite the languid embrace of Venus and Cupid trying in vain to hold him back. The goddess is depicted here in a classical way, seminude with only a cloth placed to cover her pubis. The painting, of particular quality and beauty, is placed in the production of early eighteenth-century Rome and, in particular, is traditionally attributed to Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari (Rome 1654 –1727), or out of caution to an author active within his prolific workshop. It is a typical composition of his, exhibiting a measured balance and a majestic classicism, where the influences absorbed from Carlo Maratti, of whom he was a pupil in Rome, stand out. Upon the death of the master, which occurred in 1713, he became his official heir, both in terms of close correspondence in pictorial ways, and for the success he obtained among the great Roman collectors. Already highly appreciated around the end of the seventeenth century, Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari, in fact, established himself as a painter of the most influential families: we remember the prestigious commissions for the Barberini (two frescoes of the ceiling depicting the Chariot of the Sun and The Birth of Pindar in their palace) and for the Colonna (a ceiling with the apotheosis of Marcantonio II Colonna). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of guarantee and authenticity, with descriptive iconographic sheet. 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, by appointment; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit that requires about 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until it is obtained. All costs of this procedure are included. Contact us, without obligation, to receive any other information. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/