Andrea Lanzani, Holy Family with Angels, 1670, Oil on Canvas

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Description

Andrea Lanzani (Milan 1641 - 1712) attributed

Holy Family with Angels
(Probably preparatory sketch)

Oil on canvas
43 x 33 … Read more Andrea Lanzani (Milan 1641 - 1712) attributed

Holy Family with Angels
(Probably preparatory sketch)

Oil on canvas
43 x 33 cm. - Framed 62 x 52 cm.

The delightful painting examined here depicts the Holy Family, depicted during the flight to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem, a theme taken from the Gospel of Matthew. The scene, in particular, immortalizes them during a pause during the journey, with Saint Joseph unusually holding the Child in his arms, while the Madonna crosses a stream assisted by an angel holding her hand.

Surrounding the Holy Family are other angels offering their divine assistance, transforming the pause into a moment of mystical ecstasy, in a glorious and protective atmosphere: two cherubs pick fruit from a tree while two other winged angels protect them from above, and one tends the donkey.

The work, which displays the typical characteristics of Lombard Baroque painting, is characterized by a marked dynamism and beautiful interplays of light and shade. The expressive use of color is also interesting, particularly in the contrast between the intense blue of Mary's robe and the warm tones of the other figures.

The canvas is an important testimony to the work of Andrea Lanzani (Milan 1641 - 1712), a Milanese artist active in the second half of the 17th century. It is believed to be a sketch or preparatory study for the altarpiece created by the painter in 1674 to decorate the Church of San Giuseppe in Milan.

Lanzani is considered one of the key figures in the transition from the late Baroque to the so-called Lombard Baroque. His painting, distinguished by a strong spirituality, marks a shift from the dramatic pathos typical of early 17th-century Milan toward a more graceful and luminous style.

Unlike his contemporaries, he trained with Luigi Scaramuccia (Perugino), drawing closer to the models of Emilian and Roman classicism (Raphael, Guido Reni, Annibale Carracci) rather than the "bombastic" Lombard tradition.

He moved from Counter-Reformation rigor to a more "approachable" and humane religiosity, less focused on martyrdom and more on beauty and grace.

Similar works by Lanzani are held in historic churches or public collections in Milan, from the Accademia Carrara (Bergamo) to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Milan), or in the collections of the Fondazione Cariplo (Milan). However, they are more difficult to find on the antiques market.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold with a beautiful frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic . 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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