Old Oil Painting On Canvas Naples Late Eighteenth Century.

Old oil painting on canvas representing the Virgin and the Sleeping Child with gilded and carved wooden frame. Mary is represented according to classical iconography, that is to say decided to read a book while holding Jesus in her arms. Mary reads, in the full sense of the term: she listens, meditates, memorizes, scrutinizes, understands, prays, agrees, contemplates and thus prepares herself to receive each message that comes to her from the Word she reads and in the time that 'she reads. In Mary, prophecy and fulfillment overlap and coincide: proclamation and reality come together. By her example and her behavior, Mary teaches us to read. Jesus, book and reader, shows us God reading God. Jesus holds in his hand an apple, fruit of Good and Evil, symbol of original Sin and therefore of his atoning Passion; Mary has a pensive and melancholic gaze which implies the prefiguration of the tragic destiny of the Son. The splendid finish and the refined colors, obviously of the highest standard, in fact suggest the attribution to a very talented author working in Naples in the second half of the 18th century. Condition: Excellent condition. Measures: 65x78cm. Provenance: Naples, late 18th century. Document: Certificate of Authenticity. Assistance: We are at your disposal for further clarifications or photographic details Shipping: throughout Italy, Europe and the rest of the world at very low prices in complete safety and traceability. Shipping will be agreed privately and will not be expensive. We wish you a good day. Borrelli Antichita