Exaltation of the Holy Cross with the Symbols of the Passion

oil on canvas

84 x 135 cm. - with frame 98 x 148 cm.

The proposed painting is the work of a Neapolitan painter active at the beginning of the 18th century, although the composition betrays the influence of the Roman classicism prevailing at the end of the 17th century, discernible in the serene and casual atmosphere.

This is a very interesting subject, namely the Exaltation of the Cross, a particular feast in Christian theology, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus with the particular aim of emphasising the centrality of the mystery of the cross.

We see precisely Jesus, bowed in prayer in the company of an angel, while a host of angels above hold the most relevant symbols of his Passion (in Latin, arma Christi), namely the objects that were used for the crucifixion.

These include, of course, the cross held by the major angel, and then the nails (three or four), the crown of thorns

the lance with which Jesus was pierced, Veronica's veil (the linen cloth that St Veronica used to wipe Jesus' face during the ascent to Calvary, on which Christ's face was imprinted), the scourge, the sorghum whip, the marble column where Jesus was scourged.

It is interesting to note that on the right-hand side of Christ himself, the author has placed the figure of St. John, the most beloved disciple who played an important role in the end of his prophet's life, thus at the moment of Christ's Passion, death and glorification.

The work can be ascribed, in particular, to the workshop of the Neapolitan Giovan Battista Lama (Naples, 1673 - 1748), whose initial training in painting was with Luca Giordano, and who later became more and more directly acquainted with the manner of Paolo de Matteis, so much so that in the past, a number of works have been attributed to the latter, which are now definitely attributed to Lama, given the similarities, both stylistic and compositional, between the two rather marked.

The two painters also had a kinship link (our painter having married Nunzia Perrone, De Matteis' sister-in-law), which led them to a lasting stylistic proximity. Lama's skill, which brought him great success, was therefore that of being able to absorb Solimena's solemnity, the classical matrix of Roman Marattismo and mould his youthful background linked to De Matteis and Luca Giordano.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with a pleasing lacquered frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

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