Pair of angels with floral festoon and cartouche with the family motto 'Pulchriora latent'Workshop of Carlo Maratta (Camerano, 1625 - Rome, 1713) Dated on the parchment, on the right: 1697 oil on panel (94 x 84 cm - framed 105 x 95 cm) The complete details of this work can be viewed directly from the following - LINK - This magnificent composition, depicting two small cherubs flying around holding a garland of flowers, can be attributed, both for its stylistic features and compositional taste, to a master active in the fervent Baroque Rome of the seventeenth century. One of the two cherubs is nicely preparing to grab the ribbon of the garland with his head turned downwards, while with the other hand he exhibits a parchment showing, in addition to the date of execution, the Latin expression "Pulchriora latent" ("The most beautiful things are hidden"), which could plausibly recall the motto of the commissioning family. A second winged putto, perched on a cloud, watches the scene, holding the other end of the garland, richly decorated with various types of flowers, enriching the composition with a still life of excellent quality. The iconography that sees putti with flowers represented is frequent in the Baroque period, especially in the Roman area, suitable for the new bourgeois class, who wanted more illusionistic and frivolous images for their residences, and therefore aspired to a type of paintings with strong decorative value, depicting triumphs of putti, angels or cherubs, and our panel represents an emblematic example of this. Going into detail of the composition, its inventive design, in addition to the wonderful lighting and chromatic effects, lead us to connect its paternity to the inventive flair of the workshop of Carlo Maratta (1625 - 1713). Note how the soft roundness of the playful putti, the brushstroke that defines the flowing hair and their soft complexions, are characteristic elements of his art. In particular, it is useful to remember the series of paintings commissioned in 1692 by the banker Francesco Montioni for his palace in Rome (Works of Palazzo Montioni, Rome: link), and which Maratta himself executed with the collaboration of his pupil Franz Werner von Tamm (1658-1724). Also in collaboration with Tamm, Carlo Maratta repeated these compositions for the Marquis Nicolò Maria Pallavicini. This still life iconography immediately found an echo among Roman collectors, and was therefore replicated and varied on numerous occasions. Among these, the 'Garland of Flowers with Cupids' (Sotheby's, London, 6 July 1994, no. 115), has correspondences with our painting: A particularity that makes this work unique is that the panel is also painted on the back with two vertical ornaments with acanthus leaf motifs, which seem sculpted in 'trompe l'oeil' style. One might presume their original function as doors for a chamber organ. Excellent state of preservation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card. 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 further information. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/