Christ delivers the keys to Saint Peter, Paolo De Matteis (Naples, 1662 – 1728) attributed to

Paolo De Matteis (Naples, 1662 – Naples, 1728) attributed to

Christ delivers the keys to Saint Peter (or Delivery of the Keys)

Oil painting on canvas

88 x 138 cm./ Framed 98 x 149 cm.

The proposed painting is the work of a Neapolitan painter working at the beginning of the eighteenth century: the colors are warm, the chromatic range is soft, the brushstrokes safe and precise; the faces take shape and expression so much so that they are alive, moving and luminous.

An extremely fascinating subject is depicted, namely Christ giving the keys of Paradise to Saint Peter, a symbol of sovereignty and therefore of the conferral of powers on the first vicar of Christ on earth.

Saint Peter, first bishop of Rome and pope, therefore receives the two keys, one of gold (allusion to the power over the kingdom of heaven), the other of silver (symbol of the spiritual authority of the papacy on earth) in addition to the staff papal, with the three-sided cross.

The scene is inspired by a passage from the Gospel according to John (XXI,15-17), evoked by the inscription ''Pasce oves meas'' (Feed my lambs, Pascere comes from Latin and means to graze, to nourish): Christ in fact indicates to Peter a small flock of lambs, symbol of the faithful of the Church, which the apostle will have the task of guiding.

At the top, the group of cherubs in the clouds is very pleasant, appearing as impalpable creatures involved in the event they witness, while accompanying the dove of the holy spirit.

The refined but natural grace of the faces and gestures, and the precision of the drawing combined with a delicate tone of color, present this painting with the domestic familiarity of Naples at the end of the seventeenth-early eighteenth century tempered by Roman aesthetics.

These clues would allow us to identify the hand of Paolo De Matteis (Piano del Cilento, 1662 – Naples, 1728), Luca Giordano's most important pupil in Naples, and an author who would mark the development of eighteenth-century Neapolitan art.

His great ability was to evolve the Baroque inherited from his master, into a classicistic, almost Arcadian vision; his works, and ours is an excellent example, also have a strong narrative tone and a strong sentimental and emotional charge.

The characteristics of the canvas could date the work back to the artist's classicist period, therefore between the end of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the following century, in which Matteis' Neapolitan roots are evident, as is the influence of Carlo Maratta, which he studied carefully during his numerous stays in Rome.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a gilded wooden frame and is 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.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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