La Vergine dell'Annunciazione
Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (Lucca 1708 - Roma 1787)
Pompeo Girolamo Batoni
(Lucca 1708 - Rome 1787)
workshop
The Virgin of the Annunciation
circa 1750
Oil on canvas
49 x 40 cm
In frame 74 x 63 cm
A splendid depiction of the Virgin Mary in half-length portrait receiving the divine message from the Archangel Gabriel: she is portrayed in deep contemplation, her eyes humbly lowered in devotion to the divine will, her hands crossed in prayer at her chest.
This is a splendid subject, executed with incredible stylistic refinement, probably commissioned for private use and therefore particularly pleasing and easy to place.
The painting faithfully follows the “Virgin of the Annunciation” created around 1740/1750 by Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (Lucca, 1708 - Rome, 1787), and is one of his most popular subjects, interpreted by the master himself and his studio in a series of at least twelve documented versions.
Among the master's works most similar to ours, both in terms of quality and size, we can mention the Virgin Annunciate kept at the Louvre (1), the one at the Sabauda Gallery in Turin (2), and the one at the Royal Academy of Barcelona (3).
(1) Virgin Annunciate, Pompeo Batoni, Louvre Museum, Paris, oil on canvas, 49 x 39 cm. 1741 - 1742 approx.
(2) Virgin Annunciate, Pompeo Batoni, Reial Academia Catalana, Barcelona, Oil on canvas, 51 x 41 cm.
(3) Virgin Annunciate, Pompeo Batoni, Royal Palace, Sabauda Gallery, Turin, oil on canvas, 47 x 37 cm
One of the most successful examples among those dedicated to the Virgin by Pompeo Batoni, it documents the painter's reflection on the “classical” models of Guido Reni filtered by Carlo Maratta, both in the demeanour and modesty of the pose, in the physiognomy and humble sweetness of the facial expression, and in the grace with which the hands are positioned, in the way the soft light softens the contours and shades the folds of the clothes.
The soft chiaroscuro, the delicately rendered complexion and the harmonious drapery emphasise Batoni's sophisticated painting technique. The bright, diffused light gives the composition grace and divine intimacy.
The excellent quality of our version seems to point the author's research towards an artist who was familiar with the master's work, presumably a pupil from his workshop.
We find the extremely high quality of his work, marked by the pursuit of formal perfection and attention to detail, in the tactile evidence of the fabrics and the naturalness of the flesh tones.
Among his pupils, sources mention Antonio Concioli, Pietro Pasquale Ciaramponi, Pietro Labruzzi, Matteo Toni, Angelo Giacinto Banchero, Carlo Giuseppe Ratti, Giuseppe Pirovani, Bernardino Nocchi and Francesco Manno, while many foreign artists competed to attend his workshop.
Excellent condition, complete with gilded frame.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.
We take care of and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda, where we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
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