Nativity with Adoration of the Shepherds
Roman school of the first half of the 17th century
Oil on canvas (55 x 55 cm. - In a valuable antique frame 81 x 81 cm.)
All the details relating to this painting can be viewed at the following - LINK -
This marvellous and elegant work depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds, a favourite theme in ancient painting, here articulated according to the traditional iconography that sees the Holy Family welcoming the shepherds, who have come to the hut to pay homage to the birth of the Saviour; the happy event is announced by the two playful angels above holding the scroll ‘Gloria in altissimo Deo’.
What makes our painting fascinating is undoubtedly the setting, enriched by ancient Roman temple ruins, which embellish the scene and at the same time symbolise the waning of the pagan age thanks to the birth of Christ.
The painting is the work of a painter active in Rome in the first half of the 17th century, similar in style and composition to the Pistoiese Giacinto Gimignani (Pistoia 1606 - Rome 1681): the approach and rigour of the style, the pictorial quality and the brilliant range of colours that we can admire in ours are characteristics that the painter's production shares.
Trained in his father's workshop in Pistoia, around 1630 (in his early twenties) he left his home town for Rome, where, after a period of strict adherence to the painting of Pietro da Cortona, he embarked on the path of an affected and composed classicism, in clear harmony with the painting practised in Rome by Nicolas Poussin. It is precisely these two names that will jointly influence Gimignani's style throughout his career.
Although it is not easy to formulate a precise attribution, considering the extremely prolific and heterogeneous cultural environment, however, from what can be deduced by observing the painting and its excellent quality, it is plausible to trace it back to his workshop and at the same time it is easy to compare it with some of his compositions, first and foremost the Adoration of the Magi for the church of the Propaganda Fide' college in Rome (https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0900119812).
Compositional details such as the solid monumental layout and the brilliance of the colours, cannot but evoke many of the painter's compositions: in fact, a rich and precious palette is revealed, giving the painting a rich dynamism, giving the entire composition a value of great dynamic balance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work sold is completed by a nice gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to view the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
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