Painter active in Rome in the 16th century, circle of Scipione Pulzone (Gaeta 1550 - Rome 1598)

The pity

(Dead Christ supported by the Madonna)

oil on canvas, cm. 78 x 94

framed cm. 86 x 102

Observing the valuable quality as well as the elegance of the design of this intense 16th century Pietà, we can compare its execution to the most refined works of late Roman Mannerism. In particular, there are many points of contact with the mature style of Scipione Pulzone, known as Gaetano (Gaeta 1550 - Rome 1598), whose flourishing workshop took up this subject in numerous variations.

The artist is considered one of the most original exponents of painting in the Counter-Reformation age and one of the most esteemed artists active in the Roman territory in the second half of the sixteenth century.

In the canvas proposed here, our author was able to render the moment of the lamentation of Christ in an extraordinary way, demonstrating precision, realism and emotional depth in the interpretation of the sacred union between the Madonna and Christ, through a masterful game of contrasts of colors and of lights and shadows.

The pietistic and devotional cut of the counter-reformed painting is evident in the canvas: the representation, of great dramatic effect, shows Christ, after being taken down from the cross, welcomed into the arms of the Virgin.

There is a strong physical and psychological characterization of the characters rendered by the marked chiaroscuro effects and by the thick contour lines as a function of a plastic and sculptural construction of the silhouettes; the intense maternal compassion is revealed by the expression on her face which, aware of her child's destiny, exudes suffering, but also calm resignation. Christ, abandoned in his mother's embrace, shows a sorrowful but at the same time serene face, made even more exciting by the smile that seems to hint at the Virgin.

The painter preferred cold shades, with a purplish background, creating an intense and surreal effect, not without Iberian and Flemish influences. The detail of the chroma with which our author wanted to define the background is also incredibly full of charm and spiritual meaning: purple is linked to repentance, atonement and sacrifice.

The painting, like all our objects, is sold with a certificate of photographic authenticity in accordance with the law (FIMA)

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