Saint Cecilia and two cherubs, 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. Expert opinion by Prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna) This evocative painting, which we are pleased to present, features Saint Cecilia at the center of the composition. She was a Roman noblewoman who later converted to Christianity and was a highly revered figure during the Baroque period, as the patron saint of music, instrumentalists, and singers. Here, she is depicted as a beautiful young maiden dressed in regal attire, playing a musical instrument, watched over by angelic presences. The detail of her gaze, directed upwards and illuminated by a mystical and divine light, is particularly beautiful and evocative, as it is through music that the Saint ascends towards the divine. Regarding stylistic characteristics, it should be noted that this painting is attributed to a skilled master active in the High Baroque period. Specifically, based on the use of warm and balanced tones to soften chiaroscuro contrasts, the style is either Tuscan or Roman. The talented author should therefore be sought within the Central Italian Baroque culture, influenced by the decorative brilliance of the great Giovanni Battista Gaulli, known as il Baciccio, and similarly by the classical reinterpretation of Raphael undertaken in the early decades of the 17th century by the Bolognese artist Guido Reni, and later in Rome by the accomplished Andrea Sacchi. The traits of some foreign artists, also working in Rome during the same period, should not be overlooked, among whom it is appropriate to mention the works of Simon Vouet. This explains why in our canvas, one perceives both the learned Bolognese culture of Reni, Francesco Albani, and Domenichino, as well as the more evolved Roman pictorial narrative of the 17th century, derived from a knowledge of the best works of Pietro da Cortona. The generally warm tones of this Saint Cecilia and two cherubs indeed anticipate the sophisticated salon refinements that foreshadow the Northern Baroque, that is, that fashionable artistic current so beloved by the cultured Roman aristocracy of the 17th century. Focusing on the compositional details, it is easy to recognize in the painting the modus pingendi of the skilled Lucas de la Haye, known as Fra Luca Fiammingo (Nivelles, 1612- Rome, 1682), a master of refined skills active in Italy during the 17th century. As a Carmelite friar, his works were highly sought after by his order, as well as by noblemen and wealthy merchants of the time. Therefore, to confirm the attribution proposed here, it will suffice 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 San Silvestro), and the Christ Crowned with Thorns (3) (Convent of Santa Maria della Scala), and also Saint Teresa of Avila has the vision of the angel (4) (Church of Santa Maria della Scala, Rome). In the paintings listed here, as in ours, the typical painting of the Flemish master emerges, imaginative and classicist, achieved with warm tones and flashes of light, yet ready to embrace Roman and Emilian influences with uninhibited naturalness. (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 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is completed by a pleasant gilded frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting at our 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 additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/