Crucified Christ, Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (Florence, 1660 – 1731)

Oil painting on canvas

This work, of excellent quality, depicting the intense scene of the Crucifixion of Christ, is set in a nocturnal atmosphere full of pathos but refined, with a dark background irradiated by some glimpses of sunset light.

The composition is structured according to a canonical compositional scheme, with Jesus dying seated on the cross, while at his bedside are present the three key figures of the epilogue of his earthly life in an attitude of prayer, namely the Mother, Mary Magdalene and Saint John the Evangelist. The Virgin, standing on the left, prays with her hands clasped, while Mary Magdalene, beautiful, is at the foot of the cross, kneeling with the vial of perfumed ointments; finally the apostle John observes the Lord and prays for him.

The brightness, which envelops the characters in a skilful chiaroscuro, as well as the use of intense colour, capable of building a scene full of energy, are elements of clear Venetian ancestry. The environment is filled with an intense glow, dominated by a suggestive sky starting at sunset, which irradiates the characters, emphasizing a particularly lively chromatic range.

Observing the work and examining its attributive position, the particular characteristics connect its origin to the happiest production of the late Tuscan Baroque; in particular, the stylistic and pictorial traits allow us to compare it to the hand of Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (1660-1731), one of the most intriguing and charismatic artistic figures in the Tuscan artistic pantheon of the seventeenth century.

The style presents the painter's peculiar effects of light and Venetian chromaticism, influenced by the examples of Luca Giordano, Giuseppe Maria Crespi and Sebastiano Ricci learned during his stays between Rome, Bologna and Venice at the beginning of the ninth decade, revealing himself to be an important personality of the late Baroque.

For a comparison see the painting with the same subject in the National Trust Collection (England, Hatchlands)

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-crucified-christ-with-the-virgin-mary-and-saint-john-the-eva…

Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (1660–1731) – The Crucified Christ with the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist

The work is in good condition, as can be seen from the published images, with some small, scattered and minor retouches, in keeping with the time and which do not affect its beauty in the slightest.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of guarantee and authenticity, with a 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, by appointment; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

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