The Crucifixion of Christ with the Virgin, Mary Magdalene and St. John the Evangelist

Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (Florence, 1660 - 1731) attributable

oil on canvas

106 x 79 cm.

Framed 118 x 90 cm

This work, of excellent quality, depicting the intense scene of the Crucifixion of Christ, is set in a nocturnal atmosphere dense with pathos but refined, with a dark background irradiated by a few glimpses of sunset light.

The composition is articulated according to a canonical compositional scheme, with the dying Jesus seated on the cross, while at his bedside are the three key figures of the epilogue of his earthly life in an attitude of prayer, namely his Mother, Mary Magdalene and St. John the Evangelist. The Virgin, standing on the left, prays with folded hands, while Mary Magdalene, beautiful, is at the foot of the cross, kneeling with the ampoule of perfumed ointments; finally, the Apostle John, gazes at the Lord and prays for him.

The luminosity, which envelops the characters in a skilful chiaroscuro, as well as the use of intense colour, capable of constructing a scene full of energy, are elements of clear Venetian ancestry. The setting is traversed by an intense glow, dominated by an evocative sunset sky, which irradiates the characters, emphasising a particularly vivid colour range.

Observing the work and entering into its attributive collocation, the particular features link its origin to the most felicitous production of the late Tuscan Baroque; in particular, the stylistic and pictorial traits allow us to liken it to the hand of Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (1660-1731), one of the most intriguing and charismatic artistic figures in the Tuscan artistic pantheon of the 17th century.

The style shows the painter's peculiar effects of light and Venetian chromaticism, influenced by the examples of Luca Giordano, Giuseppe Maria Crespi and Sebastiano Ricci learnt during his stays in Rome, Bologna and Venice at the beginning of the nineteenth decade, revealing him to be a relevant personality of the late Baroque.

For comparison, see the painting with the same subject in the National Trust Collection (England, Hatchlands)

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-crucified-christ-with-the-virgin-mary-and-saint-john-the-eva....

The work is in good condition, as can be seen from the published images, with a few scattered and minor retouches that are appropriate to the period and do not detract from its beauty.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a nice gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of guarantee and authenticity, with a descriptive iconographic card.

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