Tomaso Pombioli, Saint John the Baptist, 1620, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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Description

Tomaso pombioli (crema, 1579 – crema, 1636)

saint john the baptist

oil on canvas

99 x 130 cm. - framed … Read more Tomaso pombioli (crema, 1579 – crema, 1636)

saint john the baptist

oil on canvas

99 x 130 cm. - framed 120 x 152 cm.

reference literature: m. Marubbi and c. Piastrella, l'estro e la realtà. La pittura a crema nel seicento, milan 1997, pp. 64-87

the high-quality painting under consideration is an eloquent emblem of the baroque style, combining technical mastery, dramatic lighting, and emotional depth in an image of great visual and symbolic impact, depicting saint john the baptist, an iconic figure of profound spirituality and devotion.

the ascetic figure of the saint, reclining in a wild and isolated landscape, is complemented by his two canonical attributes: the lamb, the quintessential christological symbol, and the shepherd's crook with its scroll. These iconographic elements enrich the work with profound theological meaning, making it particularly evocative.

great pictorial intensity has been devoted to the rendering of the figure. The body displays defined musculature that expresses strength and austerity, along with a facial expression that conveys profound contemplation and spirituality. The skillful use of light and shadow enhances the volumes and creates an evocative atmosphere, while the color palette, dominated by earthy tones and then exploding in the vibrant red of the cloak, lends depth and drama.

this painting is therefore not simply a work of art, but a window into a moment of reflection and spiritual connection, capable of enriching any setting with its imposing presence and eternal message. Ideal for collectors and lovers of sacred art, it offers a unique opportunity to own a deeply inspiring piece of artistic history.

the painting is attributed to a skilled painter of the lombard school, active in the first half of the 17th century. Specifically, it displays the key characteristics of tomaso pombioli, the leading exponent of the 17th-century crema school of painting, from the composition to the palette, with a color palette midway between the cremonese and venetian traditions, and the composition with the landscape insert on the right, also reminiscent of the veneto.

the lucid, moist rendering of saint john's face is particularly typical of the master: his expression, with his languid eyes turned upward in contemplation, adds an element of pathos and spirituality, which today, as in the past, aims to evoke intense emotional reactions in the viewer.

in this regard, we can mention one of the artist's most famous paintings, which, although secular in nature, fully incorporates the elements just discussed: portrait of a guitar player, now at the galleria dell'accademia tadini in bergamo.

additional information:

the work is sold complete with a beautiful gold frame, a certificate of authenticity, and a descriptive iconographic sheet. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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