Ippolito Scarsella, known as Lo Scarsellino (Ferrara, circa 1550 - 1620) workshop Altar panel depicting Madonna with Child, Saint James the Greater and the donor in armour Technique: oil on panel Measurements: 93 x 72 cm./with frame cm.109 x 86 cm. Provenance: Prato, Farsetti, auction of 28.10.2016, lot 261 (link) The complete details of this work can be consulted directly from the following - LINK - A majestic Madonna in Glory occupies the upper register of the canvas, seated on a blanket of iridescent clouds and surrounded by angels, flanked by a cherub who scatters flowers contained in a cornucopia towards the Christ child as a sign of abundance, nude and supported with both hands by his mother. In the lower part of the composition stands the figure of Saint James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles, standing on the right side of the panel, represented dressed in a humble tunic; one arm supports the open Gospel book, while the other holds a pilgrim's staff with a cross. A particular aspect of the panel is the presence in the central part, to indicate its importance, of the figure of the donor, kneeling on a cushion, with his hands clasped in prayer and his face observing the Virgin in an attitude of devotion, while a book of prayers is placed on the lectern in front of him; depicted with the features of a young commander in armour, with a sword and a rich iridescent red cloak, elements which, combined with his authoritative composure, enhance his ennoblement. Unlike the medieval altarpieces, the knight is included in the space of the painting and has dimensions proportionate to those of the other characters, fully entering the sacred scene, with a pose that cannot but evoke the detail of the 'Montefeltro altarpiece' made by Piero della Francesca for Federico da Montefeltro, kneeling before the sacred group in the guise of a commander. On the right, the view recedes into the distance, highlighting the background of an urban landscape set on a hill behind which stands a mountain range, with the particularity of the arched aqueduct that runs along the entire landscape. Presumably among these expanses were the donor's own possessions and his hometown. This is a quality panel, steeped in the late Mannerist style still resistant in the second half of the 16th century, characterized by a 'sweet and affable religiosity, rendered through a manner of studied simplicity and grace', which highlights the unmistakable stylistic and chromatic features of the production of the Ferrarese Ippolito Scarsella, known as lo Scarsellino (Ferrara, circa 1550 - 1620), one of the most important artists of Emilian art between the two centuries. The painting, of refined execution, probably executed by the master himself or with the collaboration of one of his students, is therefore an excellent example of his aesthetic imprint. In particular, observing the chromatic texture, dense and vibrant, the bright tones and the richness of luminous effects, as well as the drawing and the scenic setting, we cannot but see the clear homage to Venetian art, especially Paolo Veronese, as is typical of the painter's early maturity. In those years, the author was seeking a synthesis between the Tuscan tradition, of drawing and plastic setting, and the Venetian one, of rich chromatic orchestration. Intended for private devotion, the beautiful painting proposes in small format a composition borrowed from the model of the altarpiece but made more intimate and daily by the background of landscape and the sky full of clouds on which the divine apparition stands out. A genre evidently requested by the Ferrarese market, as indicated by other versions of the same theme, with variations in the number and choice of saints, made by Scarsellino. The work is offered in good condition, complete with a pleasant gilded wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/