Giacomo Stella (Brescia 1545 - Roma 1630)

Giacomo Stella (Brescia 1545 - Rome 1630) Allegory of Time Pointing to Truth. Oil on canvas (192 x 74 cm - In golden frame 198 x 81 cm) This artwork is accompanied by a critical study written by Prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna). Complete details regarding this painting can be viewed directly at the following - LINK - The beautiful allegorical composition in question, which portrays a proud female figure, was originally conceived to be part of the furnishings of a large noble palace and represents the personification of Time pointing to Truth (a second interpretation, although less fitting, could be the cardinal virtue of Temperance). This allegorical typology, with a strong Renaissance flavor for its implied meanings of great political as well as moral value, was very successful throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, leading the viewer, based on past events, to a life dedicated to discipline, to Truth itself. The allegory is personified by a maiden in a red-iridescent dress, with her index finger raised in warning; she holds the book of History in her hands, whose temporal consequentiality allows us to have the tools to achieve wisdom, while at her feet we can see an hourglass, the ultimate symbol of the passage of time. The work, whose execution expresses elegance and power at the same time, can be attributed to Giacomo Stella (Brescia 1545 - Rome 1630), a significant Mannerist artist active between the 16th and 17th centuries, from Brescia by origin but active especially in Rome, where he moved at a young age, under the pontificates of Gregory XIII (1572-1585) and his successors Sixtus V (1585-1590) and Urban VIII. In the papal city, he came into contact with Girolamo Muziano and Cesare Nebbia, active in many of the major late 16th-century projects commissioned by the papacy. Among these, the most important is the fresco of one of the major religious works of the time, the construction and decoration of the Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (not to be confused with the one in the Vatican), destined to become the funerary chapel for Pope Sixtus V. A painter of great temperament and endowed with a beautiful naturalist style, the large frescoes of the 'Resurrection' and the 'Creation of Eve' at the Scala Santa in Rome are certainly attributed to his single hand. Condition: Old restorations related to the age of the canvas and color adjustments are visible on the painting. The painting is sold together with a pleasant gilded wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and 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, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Also follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/