St. Matthias the Apostle

Oil on the table

66 x 51 cm.

in frame 77 x 92 cm.

Of great character, this interesting seventeenth-century painting, which has as its subject Matthias the Apostle, sees the saint half-length portrait with the frontal body, turned towards the observer, and the face in profile, attentive to listen to the angel behind him.

According to the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Matthias was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ and remained with him from his baptism by John the Baptist until his ascension. Later, he remained in the Upper Room in prayers in the company of the other Apostles, waiting for the Holy Spirit, to then be elected apostle in place of Judas the traitor.

The apostle is portrayed with a strong expressive vigor, with marked features with a beard and thick hair, and is dressed in a tunic highlighted by an intense green, covered by a cloak with pink reflections.

The work shows an evident belonging to the Florentine sphere of the seventeenth century, despite the stylistic reminiscences to be found in the previous century: the executive technique and stylistic features agree with those of a work, datable to the first half of the seventeenth century, but manifest the typical dictates of the paintings by Francesco Morandini, known as Poppi (Poppi about 1544 - Florence 1597), and therefore to be referred to one of his followers.

Originally from Florence, he was a pupil together with Giovanni Battista Naldini (ca.1537-ca.1591) of the mannerist painter Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574). Although strongly influenced by the art of Naldini, his latest works, which inspired ours, also recall the mannerism typical of Bronzino, whose acid colors and rich in iridescence, and whose peculiar tones of the complexion seem particularly influential in the vivid green of the costume of our saint, as well as in the modeling of the faces.

Work in good condition, restored.

The painting is completed by a pleasant wooden frame, not coeval.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

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