Antonio Molinari (Venice, 1655-1704) attributable
Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John
Oil on copper (24 x 20 cm. - Framed 36 x 31 cm.)
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The valuable copper painting we present illustrates a classic subject of Christian devotional art, the Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John: the Virgin Mary occupies the center of the composition, wearing a bright red dress and a blue cloak covering her legs, with her gaze softly directed downwards, conveying a sense of maternal tenderness and contemplation.
She holds the Infant Jesus in her arms, depicted nude, who stretches an arm towards Mary's shoulder in a gesture of affection, while looking towards the observer or slightly to the side.
The young Saint John the Baptist (Infant Saint John) is positioned at the bottom right, portrayed in a gesture of deep adoration, bent forward, kissing the Infant's feet, symbolizing his mission as the forerunner who recognizes Christ's divinity: the composition plays with the interplay of gazes and delicate gestures, creating an atmosphere of intimate sacredness.
The three protagonists are rendered with a marked volumetric and three-dimensional effect, with light hitting the bodies of the two children and the face of the Virgin, highlighting the volumes and the softness of the flesh tones. The pyramidal composition, finally, lends balance and stability to the sacred scene.
The work is characterized by formal elegance, luminous sensitivity, and a vibrant use of color, which allow us to attribute its authorship to a prominent exponent of Venetian painting of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and specifically to the hand of Antonio Molinari (Venice, 1655-1704), one of the most authoritative representatives of this movement, who here displayed his excellent pictorial skill.
He distinguished himself in the Venetian art scene precisely for his production of religious subject paintings for private rooms, intended for private collections, often produced in series or with the support of his workshop to meet private demand: these paintings were used to decorate noble palaces, combining devotional purpose with aesthetic and social prestige.
Compared to his early "tenebristic" phase inherited from his master Antonio Zanchi, his room paintings show a clearer and more fluid palette, anticipating the Rococo painting of the 18th century and influencing students like Giambattista Piazzetta.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with a pleasant gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
We handle and organize the transportation of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of artworks.
In case of purchase by foreign clients, an export permit will be required, which takes approximately 10/20 days to obtain. Our gallery will handle the entire process until its completion. All costs associated with this procedure are included.
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