Artwork
St Agnes
St Agnes is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Carlo Dolci. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
St Agnes is a 17th-century painting by Carlo Dolci, a Florentine artist known for his meticulously detailed religious works. Created around 1670, it exemplifies the early Baroque style in Italian art and is part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene young St Agnes, identified by the lamb she cradles, symbolizing innocence and purity. Her downward gaze and the lamb's resting pose convey a sense of peaceful contemplation.
Technique & Style
Dolci employed chiaroscuro to create depth, with the subject emerging from shadows. The work showcases his characteristic attention to detail and use of rich colors, such as the blue robe and red cloak, against the subtle tones of the lamb and the subject's dark hair.
History & Provenance
Part of Dolci's repertoire of repeated religious compositions, St Agnes reflects his specialization in saints and biblical figures. The painting is now held in the National Gallery of Ireland.
Artist & collection
Artist
Carlo (or Carlino) Dolci (25 May 1616 – 17 January 1686) was an Italian Baroque painter active mainly in Florence, known for highly finished religious pictures, often repeated in many versions.
