Scipione Compagni, or Compagno (Naples, circa 1624 - post 1680)
Fantastic Landscape with the Nativity of Christ and the Apparition of the Angel to the Shepherds
Oil on canvas (cm 47 x 62, with antique frame cm 63 x 78 cm)
FULL DETAILS OF THE WORK: link
We are pleased to present this rich representation, executed in the second half of the seventeenth century, whose stylistic and compositional features reflect the style of the Neapolitan lesson: the warm colors, the lively chromatic range, the quick but precise brushstrokes are elements that lead us, in particular, to the hand of Scipione Compagno.
It fully belongs to the classic production of the Neapolitan painter, characterized by compositions crowded with numerous figures, assembled with great formal elegance, where the painter reworks the Mannerist suggestions but in a theatrical key and consequently comes to a baroque vision of the extremely refined narration.
Evident are the reminiscences with the painting of Filippo Angeli, but above all the similarities with Domenico Gargiulo, called Micco Spadaro, distinguished by elegant and precious chromatic agreements, and with some references to the Roman painting of the early seventeenth century. In the work, in fact, there are references to Roman and Neapolitan classicism, with the bright and brightened palette that we can trace back to the works of the painter's maturity.
The painting depicts, in a mountainous river landscape, in front of a large ancient building that stands on a rock, the birth of Christ with Joseph and Mary, surrounded by numerous shepherds who came to honor the sacred event. On the right in the foreground a multitude of other figures, some of which indicate with their hands the birth of the Messiah. From the top of a blue sky a luminous glow that tears the clouds leaves space for a crowd of flying angels who spread rays of light; this glow, directed towards a small group of figures, serves to immortalize a very interesting detail, namely the appearance of the angel to the shepherds (Luke II, 8-14) to announce to them the birth of the Savior. "...behold, I announce to you a great joy, which will be for all the people: today a savior has been born for you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord. This is the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger".
The luminous and clear colorism of the work under examination is typical of Neapolitan painting between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. The composition also betrays the influence of Roman classicism prevailing at the end of the 17th century.
The work is presented with a very good state of conservation, completed by a valuable antique gilded wooden frame. Painting complete with certificate of authenticity according to the law.
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