The Education of the Virgin

The Education of the Virgin Carlo Preda (Milan, 1652 - 1729) Oil on canvas Late 17th century Canvas 120 x 95 cm Frame 150 x 125 cm Excellent condition FINARTE, Milan Lot no. 276 Auction 22.11.2000 Page 91 of the catalog. (See Attachment) All details of the painting on the private website: https://www.antichitaischia.it/it/prodotto/l--educazione-della-vergine---s--anna-e-maria-bambina The Education of the Virgin is a religious artistic theme in which Mary, the future mother of Jesus, is depicted as a child with her mother Anne, who is teaching her the Holy Scriptures. This representation, quite rare in Marian iconography, is drawn from the accounts of Mary's childhood transmitted by the apocryphal Gospel of Saint Matthew. Almost absent in medieval art, the scene, particularly evocative and full of maternal love, gained popularity starting from the Renaissance, a period when the cult of Saint Anne spread, and is frequently described by the Masters of Baroque art. The author of the work is Carlo Preda (Milan, 1652 – 1729), an excellent exponent of Lombard Baroque painting and active in Lombardy in Milan, Cremona, Pavia and Bergamo, as well as in Piedmont. The large painting is based on a calibrated but dynamic balance between light and shadow. The scene is characterized by an atmosphere set on a well-established dimension of chiaroscuro where the illuminated, innocent, and very sweet face of the Child Mary stands out. The two depicted women appear sculpted in relief. The elder subject, who is imparting teachings to the young Virgin Mary, symbolizes Divine Wisdom and the spiritual guidance of the Child destined to incarnate the Son of God. The large canvas is in excellent condition, complete with its important walnut guilloché frame with carved and gilded profiles. Negotiable price - Personalized payment We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity that guarantees the era, provenance, and all characteristics of the work, drafted by an FIMA (FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA MERCANTI D'ARTE) affiliated antiquarian. Delivery in Italy and throughout Europe within 3 days from receipt of bank transfer. The shipment is tracked and insured and travels with careful shockproof packaging inside a custom-made wooden crate.