Artwork

Allegorie der Befreiung vom Joch des Islam (Frieden und Glück unter Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz)

Allegorie der Befreiung vom Joch des Islam (Frieden und Glück unter Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz), by Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, unspecified, 1714
Allegorie der Befreiung vom Joch des Islam (Frieden und Glück unter Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz), by Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, unspecified, 1714

Allegorie der Befreiung vom Joch des Islam (Frieden und Glück unter Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz) is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini. It dates from 1714 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Allegorie der Befreiung vom Joch des Islam (Frieden und Glück unter Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz) is a 1714 painting by Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, a prominent Venetian history painter of the early 18th century. The work is a Rococo allegory housed in the Alte Pinakothek.

Subject & Meaning

The painting symbolically represents peace and prosperity under the rule of Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz, using a composition of five figures in a dimly lit space to convey liberation and harmony. A central female figure in white embodies these themes, surrounded by scenes of relief and hope.

Technique & Style

Pellegrini's style in this work blends Renaissance influences (notably from Paolo Veronese) with Baroque elements (echoing Pietro da Cortona and Luca Giordano). Strong chiaroscuro creates dramatic contrasts, highlighting faces and hands against a shadowy background illuminated by a faint, divine glow.

History & Provenance

Created in 1714, the painting is part of the collection at the Alte Pinakothek. Its commission context is not detailed here, but it reflects Pellegrini's active career as a history painter in the early 18th century.

Context

As a Rococo allegory, the painting reflects the artistic trends of its time, emphasizing symbolic storytelling and emotional depth. It also touches on the political and religious themes of liberation from Islamic rule, though presented in a broadly symbolic rather than literal manner.

Legacy

While specific influences of this work on later artists are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader legacy of Pellegrini's fusion of Renaissance and Baroque styles in Venetian painting of the era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini

Artist

Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini

Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini (29 April 1675 – 2 or 5 November 1741) was one of the leading Venetian history painters of the early 18th century.