Saint Cecilia and Two Cherubs by Lucas de la Haye, known as Luca Fiammingo (Nivelles, 1612–Rome, 1682)

Lucas de la Haye, known as Luca Fiammingo (Nivelles, 1612–Rome, 1682) Saint Cecilia and Two Cherubs Oil on canvas 118 x 91 cm - Framed 129 x 102 cm Expertise by Prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna) We are pleased to present this evocative painting, which depicts Saint Cecilia at the center of the composition. Cecilia was a Roman noblewoman who converted to Christianity and a highly appreciated figure in the Baroque period because she is the patron saint of music, instrumentalists, and singers. She is depicted here as a splendid maiden dressed in regal attire, intent on playing a musical instrument, watched over by angelic presences. The detail of her gaze directed upwards, irradiated by a mystical and divine light, is beautiful and evocative, because it is precisely through music that the saint elevates herself toward the divine. Regarding the stylistic features, it should be noted that the painting in question belongs to a talented master active in the mid-seventeenth century, specifically, based on the use of warm and balanced colors to soften the chiaroscuro contrasts, of Tuscan or Roman origin. The skillful author should therefore be sought within the Central Italian Baroque culture, influenced by the decorative splendor of the great Giovanni Battista Gaulli, known as Baciccio, and similarly by the classical revisitation of Raphael carried out in the early decades of the seventeenth century by Guido Reni in Bologna first, and then in Rome by the talented Andrea Sacchi. The traits of some foreigners, also operating in Rome during the same period, should not be ignored, among these it is necessary to mention the works of Simon Vouet. This explains why in our canvas one perceives both the educated Bolognese culture of Reni, Francesco Albani, and Domenichino, and the more evolved Roman pictorial narration of the 17th century, derived from the knowledge of the best works of Pietro da Cortona: the generally warm colors of this Saint Cecilia and two cherubs anticipate in fact the refined drawing-room refinements that foreshadow the ultramontane Rococo, that is, the artistic current à la page so loved by the cultured Roman aristocracy of the seventeenth century. Dwelling on the compositional details, it is easy to recognize in the painting the modus pingendi of the talented Lucas de la Haye, known as Fra Luca Fiammingo (Nivelles, 1612- Rome, 1682), a master with refined skills active in Italy during the seventeenth century. Being a Carmelite friar, his works were highly requested by his order, as well as by noblemen and wealthy merchants of the time. As proof of the attribution proposed here, it will therefore be sufficient to compare our canvas with other works by Lucas de la Haye, such as, for example, the Assumption of the Virgin (1) and especially the Vision of St. Teresa of Avila (2), both in Montecompatri (church of S. Silvestro) and the Christ crowned with thorns (3) (Convent of S. Maria della Scala) and still Saint Teresa of Avila has the vision of the angel (4) (Church of S. Maria della Scala, Rome). In the paintings listed here, like ours, the typical painting of the Flemish master emerges, imaginative and classicist, obtained with warm colors and flashes of light, and yet ready to welcome with casual naturalness also Roman and Emilian influences. (1) https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/1200236918 (2) https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/12002369203 (3) https://catalogo.cultura.gov.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/12005154304 (4) https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/1200225041 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The work is completed by a pleasant gilded frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any further information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it](https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it) FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/](https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/)