The Virgin in Prayer (or Mater Dolorosa) - Workshop of Guido Reni (Bologna, 1575 – Bologna, 1642) Oil on canvas (77 x 64 cm, framed 97 x 83 cm) FULL DETAILS LINK (click here) The Madonna of our canvas is proposed according to the typical iconography of the 'Mater Dolorosa', which sees her portrayed in an attitude of suffering tension combined with a feeling of extreme sweetness, with her hands crossed on her chest and her gaze turned upwards. It refers to the moment of the Passion of Jesus when the Virgin is placed sorrowfully at the foot of the cross, as described in the Gospel of John (19:25). The flesh is illuminated by an intense light, highlighted by the monochrome background, which shapes the figure touching it with an indescribable grace. The painting describes the figure of the Virgin in a strongly Baroque style, vigorous, with marked features, and is attributed to the pictorial production of Guido Reni's workshop, reviving his youthful manner, with figures painted monumentally, in high relief, with an occasional use of chiaroscuro. In particular, our canvas corresponds to the painting exhibited at the Kassel Art Gallery (Germany): Mater Dolorosa, Guido Reni (follower), oil on canvas, 70 x 53 cm Staatliche Kunstsammlungen — Schloss Wilhelmshöhe (Kassel) URL: https://www.bildindex.de/document/obj00000546 The image was in fact also exploited by the numerous pupils and collaborators who frequented his school, including Giovanni Andrea Sirani, his daughter Elisabetta Sirani and Giovanni Francesco Gessi, among those closest to the master. The palette, ennobled by the intense lapis lazuli blue of the Virgin's cloak, placed in contrast with the dark background and the compositional cut made from bottom to top, contribute to giving a strongly theatrical and mystical vein to the composition. Furthermore, the pathos contained in the intense expressiveness and the masterful stylistic execution place the painting among the highest results of the painter's religious production. The high qualitative level of this intense portrait therefore leads us to attribute the hand to a talented pupil of his. General conditions are good, with some retouching. Gilded frame in good condition, from the 19th century. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The painting is accompanied by a certificate of guarantee and authenticity. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional, tracked and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to reply. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/