Seventeenth century
139 x 75 cm. - In frame 156 x 91 cm
Lombard painter of the 17th century
San Michele Arcangelo
Oil painting on canvas
139 x 75 cm. – In frame 156 x 91 cm
Ancient painting with Saint Michael the Archangel, immortalised in full figure as a youth of ethereal beauty, strong and delicate at the same time, who with large wings is dressed in shining armour, to indicate his role as prince of the celestial Militias, and a shield decorated with grotesques.
We see depicted two of his symbols par excellence, the sword with which he defeated the rebellious Angel, now lying submissive at his feet, and the scales with which he weighs souls before their Final Judgement.
This is a fascinating painting by a Lombard painter active in the 17th century, who took inspiration in its execution from the Polyptych of the Certosa di Pavia, commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, for the altar of the second chapel on the left, dedicated to San Michele.
The original work was executed by Pietro Perugino, datable to 1499, and was developed on two registers: at the top the Eternal Father (still in situ), at the bottom the three panels with Saint Michael the Archangel (on the left), the Adoration of the Child (in the centre) and Saint Raphael and Tobias (on the right) (1).
The history of this work is interesting: due to the suppression of the Carthusian order in 1782, it was purchased by Count Giacomo Melzi d'Eril and ended up in his collection, to finally be sold in 1856 to the National Gallery in London, where it is still located today.
Only the cymatium with the Eternal Father remained in place, while the missing panels were replaced by copies on 17th century canvases.
These copies differ in part from Perugino's originals, due to the absence of a landscape setting (the figures are almost immersed in darkness) and the pictorial style, with the chiaroscuro passages interpreted in the Leonardesque manner, and the darkening of Saint Michael's armour.
Our canvas is inspired by these versions, created to replace the originals by Perugino (https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0300702290-4), which critics most likely attribute to the painter Giacomo Antonio Santagostino (1588-1640).
(1) Museum of the Certosa of Pavia, Pietro Vannucci known as Perugino (ca.1450/1524)
Link: http://www.museo.certosadipavia.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/23/capolavori-della-chiesa-di-santa-maria-delle-grazie/21/17-polittico-di-perugino
Please note:
Good condition. The canvas in the photo is illuminated by artificial lights from the gallery to make it easier to read online, but in reality it appears darker. If in doubt, contact the gallery, we will be happy to send you some additional images.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is completed by a pleasant golden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
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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