Bacchanal - Sold

The unpublished painting is the work of the rare painter Simone Barabino (Genoa 1585 – Milan 1660). His teacher was Bernardo Castello "Under the direction of such an excellent Professor, Simone applied himself to studying the works of the main Masters; and copied many with such beautiful attitude, and accuracy, that he soon came to be considered one of the best Draughtsmen of the Academy of the Nude." [Soprani/Ratti p. 165] He was an envied painter. Castello "….; in seeing him so skilled …. He began to look at him with an unloving eye, and to beg pretexts, to banish him from his room. The young man noticed it, and having taken leave of the Master, retired from himself…" [Soprani/Ratti p. 166] But also misunderstood "Now seeing himself so little favored in his homeland, he decided to change country." he left for Milan where he is documented from 1619. Our composition, which strikes by the magnificent approaching chromatic of the matter, depicts a "Bacchanal" a party (often transgressive) in honor of Bacchus; the handsome young man, naked, covered by a vine leaf, is the god of wine; his head is surrounded by vine shoots, in his hand he holds bunches of grapes. All around him characteristic figures in gestures and expressions participate in the rite of the harvest. Dimensions: canvas 122.5 x 172.5 cm