Italian Master After Raphael, Madonna del Passeggio, Oil Painting

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A beautifully evocative antique Italian School oil painting depicting The Holy Family Meeting the Infant Saint John the Baptist, traditionally … Read more A beautifully evocative antique Italian School oil painting depicting The Holy Family Meeting the Infant Saint John the Baptist, traditionally known as The Madonna del Passeggio or Madonna of the Walk, after the celebrated composition associated with the Renaissance master Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, 1483–1520). Dating from approximately the late 18th to early 19th century, this substantial devotional painting presents the Virgin Mary tenderly accompanying the Christ Child as the young Saint John the Baptist approaches him. Saint Joseph appears within the atmospheric landscape beyond, completing the Holy Family composition. The figures are rendered with the graceful expressions, harmonious proportions and restrained palette associated with Raphael's celebrated religious compositions. The intimate interaction between the two children forms the emotional centre of the painting, while the expansive Italianate landscape creates a serene backdrop of water, distant hills, trees and architecture. Paintings after important Renaissance compositions were produced for centuries by accomplished European artists, allowing celebrated works by masters such as Raphael to enter churches, monasteries and private collections. This example has the scale and decorative presence particularly associated with such traditional Italian devotional painting. According to previous provenance, the painting was formerly housed in an old monastery in Italy before entering a private collection and subsequently being acquired in London. The work is presented within an impressive antique giltwood and composition frame with richly modelled scrolling foliage, floral ornament and elaborate corner decoration, complementing the Renaissance-inspired subject beautifully. The canvas appears to have undergone historic conservation, including relining and areas of restoration. It remains in good antique condition overall, displaying craquelure, minor surface scuffs and other age-related characteristics consistent with its considerable age. The frame similarly displays expected wear and losses to the gilded and decorative surfaces, contributing to its authentic antique appearance. A substantial and highly decorative religious painting with wonderful Old World character, equally suited to a traditional country house, classical interior, private collection or ecclesiastical setting. Suggested Title: Antique Italian Madonna del Passeggio Oil Painting After Raphael, circa 1800 Artist / Attribution: Italian School, After Raphael (1483–1520) Subject: The Madonna del Passeggio / The Holy Family Meeting the Infant Saint John the Baptist Period: Late 18th / Early 19th Century Suggested Year: Circa 1800 Material: Oil on Canvas, Giltwood and Composition Frame Measurements: Height including frame: 101 cm (39.8 in.) Width including frame: 81 cm (31.9 in.) Depth: approximately 6 cm (2.4 in.) Canvas: approximately 90 x 62 cm (35.4 x 24.4 in.) See less