Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (Lucca 1708 - Rome 1787) workshop The Virgin of the Annunciation Circa 1750 Oil on canvas (49 x 40 cm - Framed 74 x 63 cm) Full details of the work (click HERE) Splendid depiction of the Virgin in half-length, receiving the divine message from the Archangel Gabriel: she is portrayed absorbed, with her eyes humbly lowered in a sign of devotion to the divine will, while holding her hands crossed in prayer at her chest. This is a splendid subject, executed with incredible stylistic refinement, probably commissioned for private use and therefore particularly pleasing and easily placed. The painting faithfully reflects the 'Virgin of the Annunciation' conceived around 1740/1750 by Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (Lucca, 1708 - Rome, 1787), and it is one of his most appreciated subjects, interpreted by the master himself and his studio in a series of at least twelve documented versions. Among the master's examples most similar to our work, both in quality and size, we can mention the Annunciate Virgin kept at the Louvre (1), the one at the Galleria Sabauda in Turin (2), and the one at the Royal Academy of Barcelona (3). (1) Annunciate Virgin, Pompeo Batoni, Louvre Museum, Paris, Oil/canvas, 49 x 39 cm. 1741 - 1742 approx. https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010066106 (2) Annunciate Virgin, Pompeo Batoni, Reial Academia Catalana, Barcelona, Oil/canvas, 51 x 41 cm. https://www.racba.org/obra/la-verge-de-lanunciacio/ (3) Annunciate Virgin, Pompeo Batoni, Royal Palace, Galleria Sabauda, Turin, Oil/canvas, 47 x 37 cm. https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0100351281 An example of greater fortune among those dedicated to the Virgin by Pompeo Batoni, it documents the painter's reflection on the 'classical' models of Guido Reni filtered by Carlo Maratta, both in the demeanor and modesty of the pose, in the physiognomy and in the humble sweetness of the facial expression, and in the grace with which the hands are posed, in the way the soft light softens the contours and shades the folds of the garments. The soft chiaroscuro, the delicately rendered complexion and the harmonious drapery highlight the sophisticated pictorial technique characteristic of Batoni. The bright and diffused light gives the composition grace and divine intimacy. The excellent quality of our version seems to direct the research of the author towards an artist who knew the master's works well, presumably a pupil from his workshop. We find the extremely high quality of his products, marked by the search for formal perfection and attention to detail, in the tactile evidence of the fabrics and in the naturalness of the complexion. Among his pupils, the sources mention Antonio Concioli, Pietro Pasquale Ciaramponi, Pietro Labruzzi, Matteo Toni, Angelo Giacinto Banchero, Carlo Giuseppe Ratti, Giuseppe Pirovani, Bernardino Nocchi, Francesco Manno, while many foreign artists competed to attend his workshop. Excellent state of preservation, complete with gilded frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold complete with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased artworks, 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. 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 until it is obtained. All costs for this operation are included. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Also follow us on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/