Exaltation of the Cross, Giovan Battista Lama (Naples, 1673 – 1748) workshop

Giovan Battista Lama (Naples, 1673 – 1748) workshop

Exaltation of the Cross with the symbols of the Passion

oil painting on canvas
84 x 135 cm. – with frame 98 x 148 cm.

The proposed painting is the work of a Neapolitan painter working at the beginning of the eighteenth century, although the composition at the same time betrays the influence of Roman classicism prevailing at the end of the seventeenth century, recognizable in the serene and casual atmosphere.

This is a very interesting subject, precisely the Exaltation of the Cross, a particular celebration for Christian theology, in which the crucifixion of Jesus is commemorated with the particular objective of underlining the centrality of the mystery of the cross.

We see precisely Jesus, bowed as a sign of prayer in the company of an angel, while a group of angels above hold the most relevant symbols of his Passion (in Latin arma Christi), or the objects that were used for the crucifixion.

Among these, naturally the cross held up by the greater angel, and then the nails (three or four), the crown of thorns,
the spear with which Jesus was pierced, the veil of Veronica (the linen cloth that Saint Veronica used to dry the face of Jesus during the ascent to Calvary, on which the face of Christ was imprinted), and also the scourge, the whip of sorghum, the marble column where Jesus was flagellated.

It is interesting to note that on the right the author has placed, next to Christ himself, the figure of Saint John, the most beloved disciple and who played an important role in the end of his prophet's life, therefore in the moment of the Passion, death and of the glorification of Christ.

The work can be perfectly attributable, in particular, to the workshop of the Neapolitan Giovan Battista Lama (Naples, 1673 – 1748), whose initial pictorial training took place with Luca Giordano, and then approached in an increasingly direct way the ways of Paolo de Matteis, so much so that in the past some works were attributed to the latter which are now certainly assigned to the Lama, given the rather marked similarities, both stylistic and compositional, between the two.

The two painters also had a family bond (our painter having married Nunzia Perrone, De Matteis' sister-in-law), which led them to a stylistic closeness that lasted over time. Lama's ability, which made him achieve great success, was therefore that of being able to incorporate the solemnity of Solimena, the classical matrix of Roman Marathism and shape his youthful background linked to De Matteis and Luca Giordano.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with a pleasant lacquered 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.

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