Still life
1630

About the Item

Michelangelo Cerquozzi known as Michelangelo delle Battaglie or Michelangelo delle Bambocciate (Rome, 1602 – 6 April 1660) Still life, 1630 circa Oil on canvas, 50x65 cm With frame 70x85 cm How did still life evolve after Caravaggio? How can one depart from "thought" without appearing tacky or simply ornamental? Michelangelo Cerquozzi, a sublime example of a painter of bambocciate, battles and still lifes, follows his natural path, lightening his compositions with intellectuality, enriching them with what he knows best: painting. The brushstroke loses definition, not to the detriment of quality, but to create a more vibrant pictorial rendering, the structure is enriched with elements, the balances studied and researched so much suddenly become sought after through masses of colour. This work, which we could define as transitory, represents a first detachment from Caravaggio's naturalism, however still present as regards, for example, the representation of the signs of aging on some fruits. Even the use of light for scenographic purposes is totally abandoned, in favor of a more natural (!) and frontal diffused light. Cerquozzi, as mentioned, abandoned spirituality in favor of pure painting, freeing his own style and personality and laying, obviously completely unconsciously, the foundations for the next Baroque still life painting, overflowing with elements and color, dedicated to the most luxurious and gilded environments of the Italian and European nobility. Michelangelo Cerquozzi was one of the most talented artists of Baroque Rome. He will introduce the genre of Flemish bambocciate by "Italianising" it; he will be the author of excellent battle scenes and will remain for a long time among the most important authors of still life. In the case of our work, the presence of the influence of Caravaggieschi's methods should be noted in the extremely naturalistic representation of the fruits, a modality which is however mediated and evolved by our painter. The metaphor of life, the Vanitas, the beauty that passes, is contrasted in this work by Cerquozzi by the vigor of the fruits which seem to proudly show their natural imperfections, and which are nothing compared to their virtues. This marks, in the still life genre, a fundamental passage from a notoriously philosophical language to what instead will become a modality linked to the great pictorial decoration, of which Cerquozzi was an undisputed master. In particular, the painting appears as an ode to femininity; all the allegorical references to fruit are briefly explained in the attached video. The work is in excellent condition, protected on the back by an invisible lining of the latest generation which allows the original canvas to be seen and admired. The frame is not original, but it is an excellent imitation of a seventeenth-century model. The work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued in accordance with (Italian) law. Our Gallery has been specializing in Old Master paintings since 1993. Shipping is offered free. Any kind of additional taxes will be paid by the buyer The Studiolo gallery issues a certificate of authenticity and according to the law and in the light of its thirty years of activity and experience. Guido Cribiori director of the Studiolo Gallery

Attributed to:

Michelangelo Cerquozzi (1602 - 1660, Italian)

Creation Year:

1630

Dimensions:

Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)Width: 25.6 in (65 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)

Medium:

Oil

Movement & Style:

Old Masters

Period:

Early 17th Century