Giovanni battista Merano (1632-1698)

Giovanni Battista Merano (Genoa 1632 - Piacenza 1698), attributed Pair of winged cherubs with chains Genoese School, circa 1670-80 Oil on canvas, 67 x 57 cm. - Framed 89 x 78 cm. Complete details: https://www.antichitacastelbarco.it/it/prodotto/giovanni-battista-merano--genova-1632---piacenza-1698- This pleasant painting, depicting a pair of winged cherubs, is the work of the Genoese Giovan Battista Merano (Genoa 1632 – Piacenza 1698), who trained in Genoa first in the workshop of Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari, and then of Valerio Castello, of whom he became one of the best pupils. It was probably the latter who advised the pupil to stay in the then Duchy of Parma to study Correggio and Parmigianino, as he had done in his time. During this first stay in Parma, Giovanni Battista worked on the fresco decoration of the oratory of San Giuseppe (1651), making good use of the skills already acquired by taking part in the decorative projects directed by Castello. During the seventies, the painter's style became increasingly close to the solutions adopted by his colleague Piola, with whom he often collaborated, and from whom he must have drawn inspiration for our cherubs, a true emblem of the pictorial poetics of the Piolese workshop, focused on the decorative pleasantness of these subjects, intended to replace the classical ideal of beauty with a more delicate and 'capricious' grace. Our two chubby little angels are depicted kneeling, supported on soft clouds, while holding chains in their hands, probably alluding to an allegorical context. The painting, perfectly restored and relined, is in excellent condition. Conservative cleaning carried out. Accompanied by an expertise of authenticity (FIMA) For any further information, please feel free to contact us. Professional and insured shipping, carried out under our supervision.