Portrait of the Eritrean Sibyl by Giampietro Zanotti (Paris 1674 - Bologna 1765)

Portrait of the Eritrean Sibyl writing her prophecy - Bolognese School of the early 18th century Attributable to Giampietro Cavazzoni Zanotti (Paris, 1674 - Bologna, 1765) oil on canvas Dimensions: 64 x 50 cm, in frame 76 x 63 cm. Full details of the painting (link) This pleasant painting immortalizes a young Sibyl, depicted intent on writing down her response, with her gaze turned upwards, evoking the moment she will receive divine revelations. According to Greek and Roman mythology, the sibyls were virgins gifted with prophetic virtues inspired by a god, usually Apollo, capable of giving responses and making predictions. From a monochrome background, presumably lit by candlelight, the maiden's complexion stands out. She is simply dressed, with her face framed by the classic turban veil, a typical attribute of these prophetic figures. She possesses the youthful grace of the mythical seers of antiquity, traditionally attributed to them by Bolognese painting, to which the painting clearly belongs by style, as if the author intended to rethink the entire iconographic structure of a pictorial subject that had been codified in Bologna based on the celebrated models created by the school's master, Guido Reni. Looking at the stylistic details, the peculiarities of the Bolognese school are highlighted; the canvas shows strong stylistic and compositional affinities with works from Lorenzo Pasinelli's workshop, so much so that its execution could be attributed to a painter from his close circle. Indeed, the type of faces is reminiscent of Pasinelli, who taught a host of skilled students throughout his long artistic career. The painting, as suggested by an inscription on the back of the stretcher, could thus be a valuable addition to the catalogue of Giampietro Zanotti Cavazzoni, a prominent figure in Bolognese artistic culture of the 18th century, and a student in Lorenzo Pasinelli's workshop, whose influence marked his entire production. The painting is in good condition, with a beautiful gilded wooden frame. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. For any additional information, do not hesitate to contact us. For any type of information, you are welcome to contact us. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/