Mater dolorosa, called Madonna of the finger

Oil on oval canvas,

29 x 23 cm.

Framed 48 x 43 cm.

The painting we present here depicts a particular iconography of the Virgin, known as Mater Dolorosa, absorbed in suffering for the loss of her Son; in our case she is portrayed in a half-length pose, looking down at the ground and with half-closed eyes, while wearing a blue cloak from which the tip of a finger protrudes.

This is presumably a workshop replica of the painting entitled 'Madonna of the Finger' and conceived by Carlo Dolci (Florence 1616 - 1686), an undisputed protagonist of 17th century painting in Florence and an artist acclaimed by critics and biographers even in his time.

Numerous drafts of the famous composition, conceived in 1678, exist, including one conserved in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (inv. P536: https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0900621726), one in the Galleria Borghese in Rome (inv. 340: https://www.collezionegalleriaborghese.it/opere/madonna-del-dito) and another in the Galleria Corsini in Florence (https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/55651/Dolci%20Carlo%2C%20Madonna%20addolorata).

These and other versions, often accompanied by the depiction of an Ecce Homo, were widely sought after both for their heartfelt beauty and for their strong expressive immediacy, a production to which Carlo Dolci firmly tied his name, producing a series of images destined for private devotion, some of which were reproduced by many of his followers, first and foremost the Florentine Bartolomeo Mancini, his faithful pupil.

Although the features are marked by pain, the work is characterised by an incredible sweetness and elegance of form. The noble beauty of the Virgin and her expressive power are here enhanced by extreme depiction expertise.

Thanks to the creation of extraordinary works, executed with impeccable diligence and a descriptive rigour that could be described as 'hyperrealist', Dolci was highly appreciated by the most illustrious members of the House of Medici and the European nobility, leading his workshop to have to satisfy numerous requests from very demanding patrons.

The painting is in good condition, perfectly restored and re-stained, complete with a beautiful antique carved, pierced and gilded wooden frame.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold with 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.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian clients, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit, which takes about 10/20 days; our gallery will take care of the whole phase until it is obtained. All costs of this procedure are included.

Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you.

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