Daniele Crespi (Busto Arsizio, 1597-1600 – Milan 1630) Circle of
Saint Sebastian
oil on canvas (82 x 60 cm. - framed 100 x 79 cm.)
More details about the painting (click HERE)
Saint Sebastian, soldier and martyr of Christ, is a suggestive figure who returns in art with incredible frequency as one of the most represented saints of the Catholic Church.
Protector against pandemics, anciently considered signs of divine wrath imposed on the world for its sins, for this reason he was copiously depicted, especially between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Immortalized at the moment of his martyrdom, following the death sentence passed by Diocletian, the Saint is depicted here with great realism: the scene, faithful to classical iconography, portrays him tied to the trunk of a tree, with his hands joined and raised above his head, and suffering with an arrow piercing his flesh.
The composition focuses attention on the Saint's muscular anatomy and his expression: often depicted as a beautiful naked youth with a light drapery around his waist, he became in the Renaissance and Baroque an excuse for artists to represent the aesthetic ideal of the male body. More than a suffering martyr, he sometimes appeared as a classical hero, with an "ambiguous charm" that made him particularly captivating to art connoisseurs.
Although traditional iconography dictates that he be pierced by arrows, in this specific painting only one is visible. The focus is entirely on the emotional expression and anatomical rendering of the body, struggling between life and death.
Of great emotional impact is the intensity that emanates from his body, illuminated by a powerful light that highlights his figure and illuminates his body and face with eyes turned to the sky, in an ardent sentimental expression of dramatic anticipation;
The marked realism attributes its paternity to the Lombard pictorial school of the early 17th century, an extraordinarily fortunate artistic period that, precisely in the first half of the century, saw a host of excellent artists succeed each other, making Milan one of the crucial and most influential centers of Italian painting of the time in every respect.
The characteristics of the canvas, and in particular the physiognomic features of the face marked by strong pathos, are elements that recall the style of Daniele Crespi (Busto Arsizio 1598 – Milan 1630), one of the most important exponents of 17th-century Milanese painting, with a pictorial style that seems to progressively detach from the still Mannerist current in vogue, towards a classicism of Carraccesque origin.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The images were taken using a photographic set and professional lighting.
The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires about 10/20 days; our gallery will take care of the entire process until its obtainment. All costs for this procedure are included.
It is also possible to view the painting in our 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:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
