Christ surrounded by angels in the desert, Circle of Pietro da Cortona

Oils on canvas

The proposed painting, of excellent quality and artistic level, is a work carried out towards the end of the seventeenth century by an author from the Roman area. It illustrates the rare evangelical episode of the temptations of Christ when, after his baptism, he was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert, remaining there for forty days tempted by the devil.

We see, in particular, the epilogue of this episode, where a riot of angels approaches to refresh Christ, victorious but prostrate for having resisted the temptations; in the background of the scene there is a rocky wall from which a stream flows, perhaps alluding to the water of the Jordan and therefore to his baptism.

Christ is portrayed kneeling, with his hands placed as a sign of prayer and gratitude, surrounded by four large winged angels, one of whom is serving him food while the others observe him devotedly; another of them is completely bowed before him, as a sign of reference for the will and strength of having resisted evil. In the upper part, to complete the composition, a group of joyful cherubs in flight are preparing to support a large basket overflowing with fruit.

Now there is no longer any trace of the diabolical figures who tempted him, the environment is celestial and this blaze of angels and cherubs, the water that flows from the rock and the beam of light that breaks the clouds, amplify this sense of spirituality.

The analysis of the stylistic and figurative characters shows the belonging to the Roman school of the mid-seventeenth century, capable of expressing a refined style, and managing to amalgamate the baroque language, sumptuous by definition, with elements of classicist ancestry.

In particular, the work can be traced back to the circle of painters active in the orbit of Pietro Berrettini known as Pietro da Cortona, one of the interpreters of the Baroque school, whose Roman workshop was made up of a thriving group of students, influenced by the master and popularizers of his pictorial verb.

Among these, we can name Guillaume Courtois known as il Borgognone (Saint-Hippolite 1628 – Rome 1679), Ciro Ferri (Rome 1633 – 1689) and finally Lazzaro Baldi (Pistoia 1622 – Rome 1703), with whom our canvas shows a strong consonance stylistic.

The canvas is in excellent conservation conditions. Cassette frame in gilded wood, 19th century

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

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