The Girandola of Castel Sant' Angelo -------------
Attributed to Ippolito Caffi (Belluno 1809-Lissa 1866) -------------
Oil on canvas -------------
Signed C.P. lower right -------------
Mid-19th century -------------
Canvas size 32 x 25, contemporary frame 37 x 30 -------------
Excellent condition -------------
This splendid jewel, masterfully painted, depicts in a miniaturized way the extraordinary pyrotechnic spectacle that took place annually in Rome in past centuries. --------------------
In addition to highlighting a remarkable pictorial quality, this small work constitutes a rare and interesting historical document. -----------
According to tradition, the event was conceived by Michelangelo Buonarroti for the celebrations of Saints Peter and Paul, founders of the Church and patrons of the city of Rome. ------------- Its origins date back to the 16th century, when the Papal State celebrated the main holidays with fires set up above the entrance of Castel Sant'Angelo to form a girandola, with a famous final fountain that gushed over the entire monument. ------------- In 1886 the show, considered too dangerous by the Italian authorities, was interrupted, only to be revived in recent years. ---------------
The spectacular event was repeatedly depicted by the talented Master Ippolito Caffi, specialized in the description of city views with a very personal use of color, often bordering on the surreal. --------------------
This painting has all the characteristics of some famous large canvases by Caffi with the same scene, so much so that it could be a prototype exhibited in his atelier, to show to customers who requested it.
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