Guardian Angel - SOLD

The theme of the Guardian Angel has deep roots in the Christian tradition and is seen as the figure who protects the soul and body of the faithful: in painting, it is iconographically represented as an angel guiding an individual, usually a child on a journey, symbolizing the path of life. Our painting is an example of this; immersed in a serene and harmonious environment with pastel colors, the two figures emerge. The angel, with two large wings, is enveloped in light-colored, light clothing, symbolizing purity, a red drape indicates authority. The child, with hands crossed in a gesture of prayer, turns a serene gaze towards his protector who is constantly by his side, is wrapped in a blue mantle evoking calm and peace. The language of the angel's hands makes clear his role as a guide and divine protection, the chromatic combination creates a dynamic balance, an opposite visual effect, a warm color that provokes emotions in opposition to a cool color that conveys tranquility. The painting is attributable to Bartolomeo Biscaino; the painter was born in Genoa in 1629 to Giovanni Andrea Biscaino, his first teacher who trained him in drawing "But to be on the safe side, the Father decided to place him under the discipline of Valerio Castello, an eminent painter,...[ Rafaele Soprani, Le vite de pittori, scoltori, et architetti genovesi, 1674, p. 202] whose school was in great demand and honor. Studying the works of Giulio Romano and Guido Reni from life helped Bartolomeo to become an excellent draftsman ".., the first foundation of all professions, .." [ibidem, p 202]. The intense creative and innovative activity that was in Genoa at that historical moment allowed the young man to study and explore, coming into direct contact with artists such as Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, influencing his future style. Certainly, the teachings of the great Master will never leave him, especially in the use of a palette of vibrant colors played with the contrast between light and shadow. "He died of a contagious disease, at an age that did not reach the fifth lustrum, and with him died the Father with the whole family, towards the middle of the year 1657" [ibidem, p. 203] during the plague epidemic that struck the Ligurian capital. This canvas of ours is a clear example. There are known to be several versions depicting the Guardian Angel that Biscaino reproduces in several autograph replicas, replicas also by other Genoese painters such as Domenico Piola, Stefano Magnasco and Giovanni Battista Merano, which leads scholars to presume the existence of a prototype by Valerio Castello (you can find them on Valerio Castello 1624-1659. Modern Genius, Skira, 2008, D. Sanguineti pp.124-126) Small room painting "perhaps a modelletto of a larger altarpiece", covered by a beautiful gilded frame, perfectly placed everywhere! Dimensions: canvas 50.5 x 38.5 cm - frame 77.5 x 61 cm