Francesco De Mura (Napoli, 1696 – 1782) bottega

Alexander the Great visits the tomb of Achilles Workshop of Francesco De Mura (Naples, 1696 – Naples, 1782) Oil on canvas 74 x 99 cm - Framed 85 x 113 cm FULL DETAILS OF THE WORK (click HERE) Configurable as a valuable work from the Neapolitan school of the mid-eighteenth century, the proposed painting depicts a fascinating episode in the life of Alexander the Great, taken from Plutarch's account. In particular, the great leader, accompanied by his retinue of faithful followers, is about to visit the tomb of Achilles which, as traditionally in art, is represented as a pyramid-shaped structure. The soldiers at his side, one standing preparing to wash his hands, three others sitting beside him observing the great tomb with respect, are most likely Hephaestion, commander of his army and dearest childhood friend, Ptolemy, Craterus, and Cleitus the Black, Macedonian generals who supported him in his military campaigns; the elderly man standing to his right would instead be Aristotle, his great teacher and figure who played a fundamental role in his formation. The visit to the tomb of Achilles was of fundamental importance for Alexander the Great because it represented a clear reference to his ambition to identify with the Homeric hero, symbolizing his desire to achieve immortal glory and build an empire worthy of his deeds. The painting is traditionally referred to Francesco de Mura (Naples 1696-1782) and is therefore attributable to a painter gravitating in his workshop. Favorite pupil of Francesco Solimena, De Mura was one of the most refined and brilliant interpreters of the trends of Rococo painting of the 18th century, which in Naples achieved great success. The painting is perfectly close to his pictorial language, tracing its chromatic sensitivity, which is expressed in warm, soft and transparent colors, with pastel, iridescent reflections for the varying incidence of light that blurs the contours and wraps the figures. Active in the main royal residences of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon and attentive to the trends of European art very fashionable at the court of Maria Carolina of Saxony, wife of Ferdinand IV, De Mura clarifies and makes even more pictorial the compositions of his master, expressing an elegant Rococo taste in a southern key, which we see perfectly reflected in our canvas. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The artwork is sold complete with an antique coeval frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care and organize the transport of the works purchased, 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. Follow us also on : INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/