Christ surrounded by angels in the desert Circle of Pietro da Cortona, born as Pietro Berrettini (Cortona 1597 – Rome 1669) Oil on canvas (66 x 50 cm - In frame 80 X 64 cm) Details - link - The proposed painting, of valuable qualitative and artistic level, is a work executed towards the end of the seventeenth century by an author from the Roman area. It illustrates the rare Gospel episode of the temptations of Christ when, after his baptism, he was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert, remaining there for forty days tempted by the devil. We see, in particular, the epilogue of this episode, where a triumph of angels approaches to refresh Christ, victorious but prostrate for having resisted the temptations; in the background of the scene there is a rock wall from which a stream springs, perhaps alluding to the water of the Jordan and therefore to his baptism. Christ is portrayed kneeling, with his hands placed in a sign of prayer and recognition, surrounded by four large winged angels, one of whom is serving him food while the others observe him devoutly; another of them is completely bowed before him, in a sign of respect for the will and strength of having resisted evil. In the upper part, to complete the composition, a group of joyful cherubs in flight are preparing to support a large basket overflowing with fruit. There is no longer any trace of the diabolical figures that tempted him, the environment is celestial and this triumph of angels and cherubs, the water that flows from the rock and the beam of light that breaks through the clouds, amplify this sense of spirituality. The analysis of the stylistic and figurative characters shows the belonging to the Roman school of the full seventeenth century, capable of expressing a refined style, and managing to amalgamate the Baroque language, by definition luxurious, with elements of classicist ancestry. In particular, the work can be traced back to the circle of painters active in the orbit of Pietro Berrettini, known as Pietro da Cortona, one of the interpreters of the Baroque school, whose Roman workshop was composed of a flourishing group of students, influenced by the master and divulgators of his pictorial word. Among these, we can name Guillaume Courtois known as il Borgognone (Saint-Hippolite 1628 - Rome 1679), Ciro Ferri (Rome 1633 - 1689) and finally Lazzaro Baldi (Pistoia 1622 - Rome 1703), with whom our canvas shows a strong stylistic consonance. The canvas is in excellent condition. Gilded wooden box frame, from the 19th century SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/