Carlo De Notaris, The Prophet Daniel Reveals the Deceit of the Priests of Baal to Cyrus, 1880, Oil on Canvas

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Important Italian painting from the second half of the 19th century. Oil on canvas artwork by Carlo De Notaris (1812-1888), … Read more Important Italian painting from the second half of the 19th century. Oil on canvas artwork by Carlo De Notaris (1812-1888), it depicts a fascinating biblical episode: The Prophet Daniel Reveals the Deceit of the Priests of Baal to Cyrus.

Notari was one of the leading interpreters of 19th-century Lombard historical and religious painting. Trained by Carlo Bellosio, he regularly participated in exhibitions at the Brera Academy, distinguishing himself with large-scale compositions characterized by a rigorous academic structure and remarkable narrative skill.

King Cyrus was convinced that the god Baal actually consumed the offerings placed in the temple every night. Daniel, certain that it was a deception, had the floor covered with ashes before the sanctuary was closed. The following morning, the offerings had disappeared, but the footprints of the priests who had secretly entered remained imprinted in the ashes. The prophet gestures decisively to the floor while the richly attired king bends in disbelief to observe the footprints that lead to the secret passage beneath the altar.

The scene is set inside a monumental oriental temple, characterized by imposing columns, colossal statues, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and precious furnishings. The work stands out for the grandeur of its scenography and the accurate reconstruction of the setting. The rich colors of the fabrics, the precision of the surfaces, and the attention to decorative details testify to the artist's high technical quality.

The painting is an ideal choice for collectors of 19th-century Italian historical paintings, for collections dedicated to the Lombard school, or for anyone wishing to add to their collection a work by a documented artist present in the main historical and art sources of the period. Due to its impressive size and the dramatic power of the composition, it is a natural fit for state rooms, professional studios, libraries, or historic homes.

Large 20th-century gilded wooden frame, perfectly in keeping with the character of the artwork, with some signs of aging. The painting has already been restored with re-lining, replacement of the stretcher, and small localized pictorial repairs. Overall in good condition. Internal dimensions: H 149 x W 107 cm. See less