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Terracotta Relief of the Virgin and Child Appearing to St. Philip Neri

About the Item

A mid-18th-century Italian terracotta relief of the Virgin & Child appearing to St Philip Neri In a silver filigree, gilt-bronze and gilt-copper-mounted, lapis lazuli and wood frame. Known as the ‘Apostle of Rome’ due to his labours amongst the sick and poor of the city, Philip Neri (1515-1595) became an influential figure of the Counter-Reformation. Many miracles were attributed to him, and he was beatified by Paul V in 1615. His popularity and place in the folklore of Rome created a demand for his depiction within the church. For example, Carlo Maratta’s painting for San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, the preliminary study for which bears relation to the present composition (Royal Collection, inv. 905553). The fresh and freely modeled handling of the present relief is in the tradition of Giovanni Antonio Mazzuoli’s (1644-1706) small-scale modelli for altarpieces (C. Sisi and G. Gentilini, La Scultura : bozzetti in terracotta, piccoli marmi e altre sculture dal XIV al XX secolo, Florence, 1989, nos. 92-95). Additional information: Origin: Italy Period: Circa 1750, 18th Century Style: Religious, The Virgin and Child Dimensions: Height: 51 cm (20.08 inches) Width: 34.5 cm (13.58 inches) The mid-18th-century Italian terracotta relief of the Virgin & Child appearing to St. Philip Neri is a beautiful example of religious art from the Counter-Reformation period. St. Philip Neri was an important figure in the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation, a time when the Church was seeking to combat the influence of Protestantism in Europe. Neri was known for his work among the sick and poor in Rome and was beatified in 1615 by Pope Paul V, which contributed to his popularity and the demand for his depiction within the church. The relief depicts the Virgin and Child appearing to St. Philip Neri, and is presented in an ornate frame made from silver filigree, gilt-bronze, gilt-copper, and lapis lazuli. The frame is made of wood and adds to the overall beauty of the piece. The relief's style is reminiscent of Carlo Maratta's painting for San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, which also depicted St. Philip Neri, and it is believed that the present relief was influenced by Maratta's work. The present relief's handling is fresh and freely modeled, which is in keeping with the tradition of small-scale modelli for altarpieces by Giovanni Antonio Mazzuoli. Mazzuoli was a renowned Italian sculptor of the 17th century, and his small-scale works were often used as preliminary studies for larger, more elaborate sculptures. Overall, this relief is a stunning example of Italian religious art from the mid-18th century, and its ornate frame only adds to its beauty and value. Its depiction of St. Philip Neri, a significant figure in the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation, makes it a valuable piece of art for collectors and historians alike.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.08 in (51 cm)Width: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)
  • Style:
    Baroque (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1750
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 128261stDibs: LU1204233097742

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