The workshop of Guido Reni
(Bologna, 1575 - Bologna, 1642)

The Virgin at Prayer
(or Mater dolorosa)

Oil on canvas

77 x 64 cm, in frame 97 x 83 cm.

The Madonna of our canvas is depicted according to the typical iconography of the ‘mater dolorosa’, which sees her portrayed in an attitude of suffering tension combined with a feeling of extreme gentleness, with her crossed hands resting on her breast and her gaze turned upwards. It refers to the moment of Jesus' Passion when the Virgin is placed mourningfully at the foot of the cross, as described in the Gospel of John (19:25).

The incarnate is radiated by an intense light, highlighted by the monochrome background, which moulds the figure, touching it with an indescribable grace.

The painting depicts the figure of the Virgin in a strongly Baroque style, vigorous, with marked features, and is ascribed to the pictorial production of Guido Reni's workshop, reviving his youthful manner, with the figures painted in a monumental manner, in high relief, with an occasional use of chiaroscuro.

In particular, our canvas corresponds with the painting exhibited at the Kassel Art Gallery (Germany):

Mater Dolorosa, Guido Reni (follower), oil on canvas, 70 x 53 cm. Staatliche Kunstsammlungen - Schloss Wilhelmshöhe (Kassel)

URL: https://www.bildindex.de/document/obj00000546

The image was also exploited by the numerous pupils and collaborators who attended his school, including Giovanni Andrea Sirani, his daughter Elisabetta Sirani and Giovanni Francesco Gessi, among those closest to the master.

The palette, ennobled by the intense lapis lazuli blue of the Virgin's mantle, set in contrast to the dark background, and the compositional cut rendered from the bottom up, contribute to giving a highly theatrical and mystical vein to the composition. Moreover, the pathos contained in the intense expressiveness and the masterful stylistic execution place the painting among the highest achievements of the painter's religious production.

The high quality of this intense portrait therefore leads us to attribute its hand to one of his talented pupils.

Good overall condition, retouches. Gilded frame in good condition, 19th century.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting comes with a certificate of guarantee and authenticity.

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