Carnival in Rome in Piazza Colonna, Michelangelo Cerquozzi (Rome 1602-1660) workshop

Carnival scene in 17th century Rome (in Piazza Colonna) Roman School of the "Bamboccianti" (mid-17th century) - Workshop of Michelangelo Cerquozzi (Rome 1602 – Rome 1660) Oil on canvas 74 x 96 cm. - Framed 88 x 110 cm. Full details of the work (click HERE) Against the backdrop of a large square crowded with masked figures and costumes, the painting depicts a scene of jubilation during the 17th-century Carnival celebrations in Rome, thus serving as a very interesting testament to the customs of the era. The painting is set in Piazza Colonna, with a fragment of the famous Column of Marcus Aurelius, entirely worked in bas-relief, and surrounded by some of Rome's most important historic palaces. We particularly recognize Palazzo Ferrajoli and Palazzo Chigi. A civic event with very ancient origins - inspired by the Saturnalia of ancient Romans, in which slaves were elevated to the rank of masters, subverting the ordinary social order - Carnival, from the 16th century onwards, became one of the main celebrations of Papal Rome, and one of the richest and most unbridled in Europe, eventually becoming more popular and renowned than that of Venice during the Renaissance. Not simply a festival but an integral part of the city's culture: just as in antiquity, Roman oligarchies also granted the populace, especially the humblest classes, a period dedicated to amusement. The entire citizenry participated; the poor mixed with the powerful, able to mock them publicly, protected by the anonymity of masks: a kind of leveling of all social divisions was achieved, and even public mockery of authorities and the aristocracy was permitted. Masked individuals paraded, disguised as main characters from the Commedia dell'Arte, especially in Roman fashion. Via Lata (modern Via del Corso), Piazza Colonna, and Piazza Venezia thus became the venues for the festival, allowing the people (and also masked gentlemen) to take possession of the official celebration. Among the various painters who depicted carnival scenes, a prominent place belongs to the Roman Michelangelo Cerquozzi (Rome 1602 – 1660), to whose workshop the work in question can be readily attributed. Active mainly in Rome, Cerquozzi became known for his association with the popular Caravaggesque current in Rome - defined as the 'school of the Bamboccianti' - a pictorial movement to which Flemish, Dutch, and Italian painters adhered, preferring simple themes with popular scenes drawn from the daily life of Rome at the time. And Carnival, which lent itself perfectly to a popular narrative iconography, thus constituted a typical subject for "bambocciate": in Cerquozzi's production, there are several works with a carnival theme, preserved in various museums and collections, as are many others by authors belonging to the movement, such as Jan Miel (see Carnival in Rome, 1653, Madrid, Prado Museum), Johannes Lingelbach (see Carnival in Rome, 1650/1651, Kunsthistorisches Museum). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold with a pleasant antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and arrange the transport of purchased artworks, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Should you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you! Contact us for any information or to arrange a visit, we will be happy to respond. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/