Oil painting on canvas

cm. 47 x 62

with antique frame cm. 63 x 78 cm.

We present with great pleasure this rich representation, executed in the second half of the seventeenth century, whose stylistic and composition features reflect the stylistic features of the Neapolitan lesson: the warm colors, the lively chromatic range, the quick but precise brushstrokes are elements that lead us, in particular, to the hand of Scipione Compagno.

It fits fully into the classic production of the Neapolitan painter, characterized by compositions filled with numerous figures, assembled with great formal elegance, where the painter re-elaborates the mannerist suggestions but in a theatrical key and consequently reaches an extremely refined Baroque vision of the narrative.

The reminiscences with the painting of Filippo Angeli are evident, but above all the similarities with Domenico Gargiulo, known as Micco Spadaro, distinguished by elegant and precious chromatic accords, and with some references to Roman painting of the early seventeenth century. In the work, in fact, references to Roman and Neapolitan classicism are observed, with the bright and bright palette that we can trace back to the painter's mature works.

The painting depicts, in a mountainous river landscape, in front of a large ancient building that stands on a rock, the birth of Christ with Joseph and Mary, surrounded by numerous shepherds who have come to honor the sacred event. On the right in the foreground a multitude of other figures, some of which indicate the birth of Messiah with their hands. From the top of a blue sky a luminous glow that pierces the clouds gives way to a crowd of flying angels who spread rays of light; this glow, directed towards a small group of figures, serves to immortalize a very interesting detail, that is the apparition of the angel to the shepherds (Luke II, 8-14) to announce to them the birth of the Savior. "... here I announce to you a great joy, which will be of all the people: today a savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born to you in the city of David. This is the sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger ".

The bright and clear colorism of the work in question is typical of Neapolitan painting between the end of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the eighteenth century. The composition also betrays the influence of Roman classicism prevailing at the end of the seventeenth century.

The work is presented in a very good state of conservation, completed by a valuable antique frame in gilded wood. Complete painting with certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law.

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