Giovan Battista Salvi known as "il Sassoferrato" (1609 - 1685) Circle/workshop Madonna with Sleeping Child Oil on canvas (84 x 66 cm - Framed (19th century) 112 x 95 cm. Full details at the following - link - The painting presented here, executed in the second half of the 17th century with good quality of execution and refined drafting, depicts the Madonna in adoration while gently holding the sheet on which the sleeping Child is lying, with a gesture of protection and pride, which facilitates an atmosphere of intimate recollection. The compositional prototype was conceived by the great Bolognese master Guido Reni (1575 - 1642), as evidenced by a print made by Francois de Poilly (Paris 1623–1693) (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/667926). Like many of Reni's creations, it was then taken up and popularized by subsequent versions made by his pupils and followers, such as the 'Madonna and Child' attributed to Francesco Gessi (Bologne, 1588 - 1649) and now at the Louvre (https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010061140). This subject, although with some variations - often of the pose of the sleeping child, facing upwards as in this version, rather than reclined on its side, or of the position of the Virgin, with her hands clasped in prayer - enjoyed such success that it became the preferred model for countless works intended for private devotion during the 17th century. One of the greatest promoters of Reni's images was undoubtedly Giovan Battista Salvi known as "il Sassoferrato" (1609 - 1685) who, in his thriving workshop, took up the subjects but reworked them with his own well-identifiable style, characterized by a distinct elegance, sweetness and formal perfection, especially of the faces, managing to achieve an effect of incredible intensity. Born in the Marche region, Salvi developed his activity in Rome, following the dictates of the classicist sacred painting of the Bolognese school of Reni, Carracci and Domenichino, but managing to have an autonomous style and therefore easily distinguishable. The Madonnas that came out of his workshop, with the paleness of the face and the bright color of the mantle, the sweetness of the gazes and the grace of the features, two centuries later, will provide inspiration to the Pre-Raphaelites and numerous other 19th-century artists. Our canvas is in a good state of conservation, although it has some old retouching and small pictorial deficiencies, as can be seen from the published photographs, which, however, do not affect its beauty. Work complete with a pleasant 19th-century wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you in our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtained. All the costs of this operation are included. 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/