Adoration of the Child, 17th Century, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Details

Description

Oil on canvas. Bolognese school of the late 17th century. In the foreground, occupying the entire left part of the … Read more Oil on canvas. Bolognese school of the late 17th century. In the foreground, occupying the entire left part of the scene, lies the sleeping Baby Jesus, reclining backward in a pose of complete abandonment to sleep, a serene smile on his face; on the right side, diagonally delimited by the raised cloth, two figures, presumably two shepherds, gaze at the child with a gaze of deep and serious adoration and are making the gesture of covering him, a gesture that indicates tenderness but symbolically prefigures the sacrifice of Christ (the deposition of his body after the Crucifixion). The supine position of the Child, adored by Mary or by shepherds, was introduced by Guido Reni, who created several works with this subject, later widely taken up by his followers and by the 17th-century Bolognese school. As in Guido Reni's works, in this painting too, the light emanates directly from the Baby Jesus, illuminating the devout faces of those who adore him. Previously relined, the painting shows traces of extensive restoration. It is presented in a period frame. 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



issues arising from misattribution See less