Giovanni Battista Salvi known as Sassoferrato (Sassoferrato 1609 - Rome 1685) workshop/circlePraying Madonna Second half of the Seventeenth century Oil on canvas (57 x 46, with frame 78 x 65) Artwork Details (click HERE) This splendid Madonna, portrayed in an intimate moment of prayer, stands out for its refined pictorial execution and is attributed to the pictorial sensibility of Giovan Battista Salvi from the Marche region, known as Sassoferrato. The analysis of the craquelure also suggests a dating compatible with the author or perhaps slightly later. A pupil of Domenichino's and a refined interpreter of the Renaissance tradition, especially Raphael, Sassoferrato developed a style of extraordinary formal perfection, with precise drawing and refined execution aimed at creating delicate images of the Virgin. The critical and collecting fortune is evident from the countless autograph and non-autograph replicas, in which the attributive distinction can be seen, as in our case, by observing the sustained quality, perceptible in the execution of the facial features and finally the meticulous chiaroscuro play of the unmistakable porcelain rendering of the skin typical of Sassoferrato, with the chromatic detachment of the intense blue mantle, which makes the work more precious. The artist, immediately supported by a flourishing workshop, proved to be the main creator of this series of iconographies that met with immediate success for the delicacy and humanity that the Virgin manages to express, portrayed with her hands to her chest which, like the face, become the focal point of the painting and load it with great spiritual pathos. This is a fine example of a composition that the artist repeated on several occasions, including the works held in the Pinacoteca of the Civic Museums of Pesaro and in the Monastery of Santa Chiara in Sassoferrato. Excluding the crude versions, the most deserving works have passed through the most selective auctions with significant quotations; by way of example we can consider some passed by Sotheby's: including the magnificent Madonna in prayer, to be cleaned (fig.1 - Sothebys, London, 08/07/2010, lot 154) or again the same subject but restored (fig.2 - Sothebys, London, 04/12/2008, lot 193). Finally, we can mention a work very similar to ours, specular to the previous ones and therefore with the Virgin portrayed with her face tilted to the left (fig.3 - Paris, 26.06.2019, lot 70). fig.1 - link, fig.2 - link, fig.3 - link The work is in a good state of preservation. Some scattered retouching on the surface. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Complete with antique gilded frame, not coeval. The work is sold complete with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic descriptive sheet. We handle and organise the transportation of purchased artworks, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. In the event of the purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes approximately 15/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase up to obtaining it. All the costs of this operation are included. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/