Giovanni Francesco Barbieri

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, Italian School, 17th century – Circle of Cimon and Pero, or The Spectacular Roman Charity, Oil on canvas, Height: 127 cm, Width: 160 cm. An important Baroque composition illustrating the ancient episode of Cimon and Pero, an emblematic moral subject of the 17th century, treated here with remarkable dramatic intensity and great pictorial mastery. The work can be compared to the autograph composition by Guercino in the Schoeppler Collection, London, published in the definitive catalogue raisonné (N. Turner, The Paintings of Guercino. A revised and expanded catalogue raisonné, Rome, 2016, no. 251, pp. 542–543). A version similar to ours appeared on the art market in 2021 (anonymous sale, Genoa, Wannenes, November 26, 2021, lot 891), confirming the existence of a coherent body of work around this composition. With its ambitious format, the expressive power of the figures, and the masterful use of chiaroscuro, this painting testifies to the work of a leading painter in Guercino's immediate circle. Condition report: Relined canvas. Old restorations. Visible ray marks at the relining level. Painting previously cleaned in a studio. Frame in storage. Sold as is. A work of great quality, representative of the finest Italian Baroque. A painting of character, rare on the market. Price: €28,000. Free delivery throughout France by Galerie De Cicco.