Ciro Ferri (Roma, 1634 – 1689) seguace di

Roman painter, 17th-18th century Ciro Ferri (Rome, 1634 – Rome, 1689) follower of The Guardian Angel (Tobias with the Archangel Raphael) Oil on canvas 100 x 75 cm. in antique frame 126 x 99 cm. The protagonist of our pleasant painting is the Archangel Raphael, immortalized while protecting a child [1]: the meaning of this iconography, which spread mainly between the 16th and 17th centuries, has taken on a more extensive meaning over time, thus becoming the emblem of the guardian angel who has the task of protecting every human being. [1] In the 'Book of Tobit' the angel Raphael was invoked by Tobit, a righteous and poor man, to accompany his son Tobias on a journey; Raphael showed Tobias the safest way and saved him more than once, without ever revealing himself as an angel, except at the end of the story. The apterous angel (without wings, therefore before revealing his identity) is depicted here with the appearance of a young man with delicate features and a dress tight at the waist and marked by a large drapery. The child he holds with him, innocently frightened, turns his eyes to the sky, where the light of divine grace appears through a break in the clouds. The stylistic and figurative characteristics of the painting recall the echoes of 17th century Roman painting, distinguished by its refined style, capable of uniting the Baroque language, by definition opulent, with elements of classicist origins. In particular, observing the iconographic characteristics and the design features, the approach to the style of Ciro Ferri (Rome 1633 - 1689), one of the best pupils of Pietro da Cortona, who took up his design mastery and coloristic wisdom, seems fitting. Compared to the master, however, he differed in a more classicizing, delicate style, embellished with a luminosity and greater attention in describing the details: our canvas, of excellent quality, allows us to find all these characteristics. In this case, while appreciating the quality of the painting, the work of another hand is evident, of a pupil of the painter or presumably a follower active in a immediately following moment. Finally, the added value of the enchanting landscape view on the left should be mentioned, in which we can recognize the famous Dicle bridge over the Tigris river, the place where the story of 'Tobias and the angel' is set with its unmistakable arches, and the Fortress of Diyarbakır, in present-day Turkey (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a pleasant golden frame and is accompanied by 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. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/