Circle of Scipione Pulzone, Christ & Madonna, 1600, Oil on Canvas

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Description

Painter active in Rome in the 16th century, circle of Scipione Pulzone (Gaeta 1550 – Rome 1598)
The Pietà (Dead … Read more Painter active in Rome in the 16th century, circle of Scipione Pulzone (Gaeta 1550 – Rome 1598)
The Pietà (Dead Christ Supported by the Madonna)
oil on canvas, 78 x 94 cm
framed 86 x 102 cm

Observing the exquisite quality and elegance of the design of this intense 16th-century Pietà, we can compare its execution to the most refined works of late Roman Mannerism. In particular, there are many similarities with the mature style of Scipione Pulzone, known as Gaetano (Gaeta 1550 – Rome 1598), whose flourishing workshop revived this subject in numerous variations.

The artist is considered one of the most original exponents of Counter-Reformation painting and one of the most esteemed artists active in Rome in the second half of the 16th century.

In the canvas presented here, our artist has captured the moment of Christ's Lamentation in an extraordinary way, demonstrating precision, realism, and emotional depth in his interpretation of the sacred union between the Madonna and Christ, through a masterful interplay of color contrasts and light and shadow.

The pietistic and devotional tone of Counter-Reformation painting is evident in the canvas: the highly dramatic depiction shows Christ, after being taken down from the cross, welcomed into the arms of the Virgin.

The figures are strongly characterized physically and psychologically, conveyed by the marked chiaroscuro effects and thick contour lines that create a plastic and sculptural construction of the silhouettes. The intense maternal compassion is revealed in the expression on her face, which, aware of her son's fate, exudes suffering but also calm resignation. Christ, abandoned in his mother's embrace, displays a sorrowful yet serene face, made even more moving by the smile that seems to hint at the Virgin.

The painter favored cool tones, with a purple background, creating an intense and surreal effect, not without Iberian and Flemish influences. The detail of the chromatic tone with which our artist chose to define the background is also incredibly fascinating and spiritually significant: purple is associated with repentance, atonement, and sacrifice.

The painting, like all our objects, is sold with a legally compliant photographic certificate of authenticity (FIMA). 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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