Pier Dandini (Florence, 1646 – 1712)
The Finding of Moses
Oil on canvas (87 x 118 cm - Framed, 102 x 132 cm)
Provenance: Palazzo internazionale delle aste ed esposizioni - Sale of Important Private Collections of High Antiquities - Florence, Palazzo Corsini, lot 448 (April 11, 1975) *** see photo
Details of the work (click HERE)
The Finding of Moses is one of the most iconographic and studied biblical subjects in the history of art, particularly loved since the Renaissance as one of the most emblematic examples of Divine Providence; taken from a passage in Exodus (2, 1-10), it illustrates the episode in which the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt saves the little Moses from the waters of the Nile, then cares for him and raises him as a prince of Egypt, saving him from the infanticide against the firstborn Jews ordered by his father.
At the center of the scene is portrayed the beautiful princess (often identified as Bithia) in regal clothes and jewelry, accompanied by her handmaidens and royal guards: we see her here immortalized in the moment when they show her the child and she, moved by great compassion, decides without hesitation to take him with her.
The story is permeated by a subtle divine irony: he who was to be killed by Egyptian order is miraculously saved and welcomed into the court of the Pharaoh, destined to become the leader of Israel and liberator of his people from Egyptian slavery.
The work presented here belonged to a historic Florentine collection, offered in a high antiques auction in April 1975 held at Palazzo Corsini in Florence.
Given the particular stylistic and typological characteristics of the figures, the work is traditionally attributable to Pietro Dandini (Florence, 1646-1712), a refined painter of the late Tuscan Baroque, known for his theatrical and elegant style, who played an important role in the Florentine artistic panorama of the second half of the seventeenth century.
A prolific and refined painter, he knew how to fuse the Florentine tradition with the influences gathered during his training travels in northern Italy, between Venice, Modena, Parma and Bologna, establishing himself as one of the most appreciated interpreters of the Tuscan Baroque.
The vibrant chromatism and the lively and free composition of the figures, together with the physiognomies and the soft rendering of the fabrics, allow us to recognize stylistic aspects referable to his production.
As can easily be seen in the beautiful painting proposed, his art is distinguished by a sophisticated elegance and a profound spiritualism, often dramatic, knowing how to intelligently integrate the influences of Pietro da Cortona and Luca Giordano into an energetic language, characterized by a luminous use of color, by dynamic compositions and by a theatricality that well suited the needs of religious and aristocratic clientele.
He was particularly active for the nobility of the time and in Florence Dandini quickly became one of the most sought after artists, also thanks to the protection of the Medici, in particular Prince Ferdinand and Grand Duke Cosimo III. He also worked for the most important noble families, including Ginori, Orlandini, Feroni and Corsini, who especially loved his sacred and mythological scenes, animated by elegant and lively figures, which embody a balanced baroque, capable of blending devotion and spectacle.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold complete with a pleasant gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
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