Christ Surrounded by Angels in the Desert, Circle of Pietro da Cortona, born Pietro Berrettini (Cortona 1597 – Rome 1669)

Christ Surrounded by Angels in the Desert Circle of Pietro da Cortona, born Pietro Berrettini (Cortona 1597 – Rome 1669) Oil on canvas (66 x 50 cm - Framed 80 x 64 cm) Details - link - The painting offered, of excellent qualitative and artistic level, is a work executed towards the end of the 17th century by an artist from the Roman area. It illustrates the rare evangelical episode of Christ's temptations when, after his baptism, he was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert, remaining there for forty days tempted by the devil. We see, in particular, the epilogue of this episode, where a host of angels approaches to refresh Christ, victorious but prostrate from having resisted the temptations; in the background of the scene, there is a rocky wall from which a stream flows, perhaps alluding to the water of the Jordan and therefore to his baptism. Christ is depicted kneeling, with his hands placed in a gesture of prayer and gratitude, surrounded by four large winged angels, one of whom is serving him food while the others observe him devotedly; another of them is completely bowed before him, as a sign of reverence for his will and strength in resisting evil. In the upper part, to complete the composition, a group of joyful cherubs in flight are preparing to support a large basket overflowing with fruit. There is no longer any trace of the diabolical figures who tempted him; the environment is celestial, and this host of angels and cherubs, the water gushing from the rock, and the beam of light breaking through the clouds, amplify this sense of spirituality. The analysis of the stylistic and figurative characteristics shows its belonging to the Roman school of the full 17th century, capable of expressing a refined style, and succeeding in amalgamating the Baroque language, by definition sumptuous, with elements of classicist ascendance. In particular, the work can be attributed to the circle of painters active in the orbit of Pietro Berrettini, known as Pietro da Cortona, one of the interpreters of the Baroque school, whose Roman workshop comprised a flourishing group of students, influenced by the master and disseminators of his pictorial doctrine. Among these, we can name Guillaume Courtois (known as il Borgognone) (Saint-Hippolite 1628 - Rome 1679), Ciro Ferri (Rome 1633 - 1689), and finally Lazzaro Baldi (Pistoia 1622 - Rome 1703), with whom our canvas shows a strong stylistic consonance. The canvas is in excellent condition. 19th-century gilded wooden coffer frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Please contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/