Paolo De Matteis (Napoli, 1662 - 1728)

Paolo De Matteis (Naples, 1662 - Naples, 1728) attributed to Christ gives the keys to Saint Peter (or Delivery of the Keys) Oil on canvas 88 x 138 cm. / Framed 98 x 149 cm. The proposed painting is the work of a Neapolitan painter operating in the early eighteenth century: the colors are warm, the color range is soft, the brushstrokes are confident and precise; the faces take shape and expression so much that they appear alive, moving and luminous. An extremely fascinating subject is depicted, namely Christ handing over the keys of Paradise to Saint Peter, a symbol of sovereignty and therefore of the conferral of powers to the first vicar of Christ on earth. Saint Peter, the first bishop of Rome and pope, therefore receives the two keys, one gold (alluding to power over the kingdom of heaven), the other silver (symbol of the spiritual authority of the papacy on earth) as well as the papal staff, with a cross with three transverse arms. The scene is inspired by a passage from the Gospel according to John (XXI, 15-17), evoked by the inscription "Pasce oves meas" (Feed my lambs, Pascere comes from Latin and means to graze, feed): Christ in fact indicates to Peter a small flock of lambs, the symbol of the faithful of the Church, which the apostle will have the task of guiding. At the top, a very pleasant group of cherubs in the clouds, who appear as impalpable creatures involved in the event they are witnessing, while accompanying the dove of the holy spirit. The sought-after but natural grace of the faces and gestures, and also the precision of the drawing combined with a delicate tone of color, present this painting with the domestic familiarity of Naples in the late 17th - early 18th century tempered by Roman aesthetics. These clues would allow us to identify the hand of Paolo De Matteis (Piano del Cilento, 1662 - Naples, 1728), Luca Giordano's most important pupil in Naples, and an author who will mark the development of eighteenth-century Neapolitan art. His great ability was to evolve the Baroque inherited from his master, into a classicist, almost Arcadian vision; his works, and ours is an excellent example, also have a strong narrative tone and a marked sentimental and emotional charge. The characteristics of the canvas would suggest that the work dates back to the artist's classicist period, therefore between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the following century, in which de Matteis' Neapolitan roots are evident, as well as the influence of Carlo Maratta, whom he carefully studied during his numerous stays in Rome. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold complete with a gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. 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. Also follow us on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/