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Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Lo SpagnuoloHoly Family, by the bolgonese master. 1700
1700
About the Item
This exquisite painting, resembling a precious jewel, serves as an exceptional illustration of the
devotional cabinet paintings created by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, a highly original Bolognese
artist during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Crespi's distinctiveness extended beyond his
unique style and technique to the subjects he chose to portray. While his portraits and genre
paintings often displayed a light-hearted and even irreverent tone, his treatment of religious
themes resonated with deep emotion, even in its most inventive forms.
This recently uncovered work by Crespi is a typical representation, invoking the tender
connection between mother and child, and the Child's destiny, all within a compact and intimate
format. Executed on a small scale, the painting showcases Crespi's remarkable sensitivity and
mastery of paint, especially evident in the expressive brushwork of the drapery.
The restrained and focused composition of the Holy Family allows for contemplation of the
figures. Mary cradles the Christ child gently, seemingly presenting him to the viewer, her gaze
knowing as the infant holds a diminutive cross, symbolizing his future crucifixion. Joseph
appears in the background, emerging from the left side of the frame, gazing upward with folded
hands in prayer.
Individual motifs from this painting reappear in other works by Crespi, suggesting a synthesis of
familiar elements into a vibrant composition. The artist's revisitation of designs throughout his
career is evident, and this painting on copper likely belongs to a later period, reflecting stylistic
ties to other works and Crespi's increased production of smaller devotional pieces.
Distinguished by its cool palette, bold coloration, and the expressive force of the artist's hand,
this Holy Family painting stands out among Crespi's works. The rendering of drapery and flesh
tones is particularly accomplished, with rapid brushstrokes and luminous white highlights
enhancing the overall effect. Changes in the figures' positions compared to related paintings
suggest the artist's refinement of the composition to suit the diminutive size of this artwork. The
reddish-brown ground serves as a subtle backdrop, almost entirely obscured by the figures,
emphasizing the painting's intimacy and its intended use for private devotion—held in one's
hands for prayer or contemplation.
Dr. Daniele Benati, upon reviewing photographs, has confirmed Crespi's authorship of this
painting, expressing no doubt about its authenticity: "È veramente molto bello e non ho dubbi
circa l’autografia di Giuseppe Maria Crespi" (It is truly very beautiful, and I have no doubts about
the autograph of Giuseppe Maria Crespi)
- Creator:Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Lo Spagnuolo (1665 - 1747, Italian)
- Creation Year:1700
- Dimensions:Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:1700-1709
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1599214363802
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
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