Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Antonio Molinari (Venice, 1655-1704) attributable
Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist
Oil on copper (24 x 20 cm - In frame 36 x 31 cm)
This exquisite copper painting depicts a classic subject of Christian devotional art, the Madonna with Child and Saint John: the Virgin Mary occupies the centre of the composition, wearing a bright red dress and a blue cloak covering her legs, her gaze gently turned downwards, conveying a sense of maternal tenderness and contemplation.
She holds the Baby Jesus, depicted naked, who reaches out his arm towards Mary's shoulder in a gesture of affection, while looking towards the observer or slightly to the side.
The little Saint John the Baptist (San Giovannino) is located at the bottom right, portrayed in a gesture of profound adoration, leaning forward as he kisses the feet of the Child, symbolising his mission as a precursor who recognises the divinity of Christ: the composition plays on the intersection 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 striking the bodies of the two children and the face of the Virgin, highlighting the volumes and softness of the flesh tones. Finally, the pyramidal composition lends balance and stability to the sacred scene.
The work is characterised by formal elegance, a sensitivity to light and a vibrant use of colour, which allow us to attribute it to a representative of Venetian painting at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, and in particular to the hand of Antonio Molinari (Venice, 1655-1704), one of the most authoritative representatives of this movement, who has demonstrated his excellent painting skills here.
He distinguished himself on the Venetian scene precisely for his production of religious paintings 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 and aesthetic purposes with social prestige. Compared to the “dark” phase of his youth, inherited from his master Antonio Zanchi, his room paintings show a lighter and more fluid palette, anticipating 18th-century Rococo painting and influencing pupils such as Giambattista Piazzetta.
Delevery information :
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
We take great care We personally take care of the packaging, to which we devote a great deal of care: each work is carefully packed, first with arti- cle material, then with a custom-made wooden box.
Should you have the desire to see this or other works in person, we would be happy to welcome you to our gallery in Riva del Garda, Viale Giuseppe Canella 18, we are always open by appointment only.
