Valerio Castello (Genova, 1624 – 1659) bottega

The Ecce Homo Genoese School, 17th century - Workshop of Valerio Castello (Genoa, 1624 – Genoa, 1659) Oil on canvas (117 x 99 cm - Framed 138 x 118 cm) FULL DETAILS (click HERE) The Ecce Homo, subject of our intense canvas, is the gospel episode during which Jesus, awaiting his condemnation and after the flagellation, is presented to the people by Pilate, then Roman governor of Judea, who we see portrayed at his side painted with a turban with a Middle Eastern flavor. To his right, a henchman, with an amused look, holds the rope that binds Christ's hands. The canvas immortalizes the moment when the Savior accepts his final destiny: in his face, not only humiliation but also a moment of profound introspection and emotion. He is then portrayed with a crown of thorns placed above his long hair and stripped of his clothes, with his hands tied and crossed, allusively to his immediate crucifixion on Golgotha. ''Ecce homo'', which literally means "Here is the Man," was the phrase uttered by Pilate himself to designate the flagellated Jesus and ingratiate himself with the crowd, aware that he had condemned an innocent man. This type of representation of Christ will be very widespread in the 16th century, giving rise to particularly intense creations, capable of moving even those who do not prefer subjects of such strong emotional impact. Flogged and mocked while waiting for his martyrdom, it is striking that his face appears sad, resigned, but not suffering, to evoke the compassion he granted to his executioners. The composition, with an intense character of devotion, fits easily into the Genoese environment of the mid-seventeenth century and precisely into the figurative repertoire of Valerio Castello (Genoa, 1624 - 1659); interpreter of a new compositional concept, in rupture with the Genoese pictorial tradition, through a recovery of the masters of 16th century Mannerism and a careful observation of the works of the Flemish, first of all Rubens, and of the Venetians present in abundance in Genoese collections. Within the Genoese figurative culture, no one like Castello knew how to interpret, through the vivacity of the compositional rhythm and the palette, the new feeling of an era that preferred a strong theatricality, which is well suited to the staging of our subject. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The work sold is completed by a pleasant antique but not coeval frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of the 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 also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/