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Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Lo Spagnuolo
Holy Family, by the bolgonese master.

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) All of our works are covered by our own guarantee of authenticity which covers the work for its lifetime of ownership with the purchaser. We carry out stringent due diligence on every work listed, should we make an error then we offer a full money back guarantee on any purchase.
  • Creator:
    Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Lo Spagnuolo (1665 - 1747, Italian)
  • Creation Year:
    1700
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.88 in (20 cm)Width: 6.3 in (16 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
    1700-1709
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1599214363802

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