Artwork

Vision of St. Philip Neri

Vision of St. Philip Neri, by Carlo Maratta, 1674
Vision of St. Philip Neri, by Carlo Maratta, 1674

Vision of St. Philip Neri is a drawing by the Baroque artist Carlo Maratta. It dates from 1674 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created around 1674 by Carlo Maratti, a prominent Italian Baroque painter, *Vision of St.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1674 by Carlo Maratti, a prominent Italian Baroque painter, *Vision of St. Philip Neri* is a religious drawing that exemplifies the artist's classicizing style, characterized by harmonious composition and nuanced light management.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the ecstatic vision of St. Philip Neri, a 16th-century saint, kneeling in prayer as he gazes up at celestial figures, likely saints or angels, amidst clouds, conveying a moment of spiritual intensity and devotion.

Technique & Style

Maratti's use of chiaroscuro creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere, with a strong light source illuminating the heavenly figures, contrasting with the more subdued lighting on the saint, underscoring the spiritual hierarchy.

History & Provenance

Originally created for an unidentified patron, possibly within Maratti's circle of high-profile Roman clients, the work is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

Aligned with Maratti's religious commissions and the broader Baroque movement's emphasis on emotional and spiritual depth, the piece reflects the artistic and religious values of 17th-century Rome.

Legacy

While not individually renowned beyond its artist's oeuvre, *Vision of St. Philip Neri* contributes to the understanding of Maratti's religious works and the evolution of Baroque artistic practices in Rome.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Carlo Maratta

Artist

Carlo Maratta

Carlo Maratta or Maratti (18 May 1625 – 15 December 1713) was an Italian Baroque painter and draughtsman, active principally in Rome where he was the leading painter in the second half of the 17th century.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.