Artwork
The Lowering of the Cross with Sts Mary ...
The Lowering of the Cross with Sts Mary ... is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Giulio Cesare Procaccini. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1618 by Giulio Cesare Procaccini, an Italian Baroque artist, *The Lowering of the Cross with Sts Mary …* is an oil painting depicting a pivotal religious scene with multiple figures, characterized by dramatic lighting and composition.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the Lowering of the Cross, a Christian narrative, incorporating Sts Mary and other figures. The scene's emotional intensity and religious themes align with the Counter-Reformation's influence during Procaccini's time.
Technique & Style
Procaccini employed chiaroscuro, a hallmark of Baroque painting, to create deep contrasts between light and dark, enhancing the scene's drama and depth. The dark background further emphasizes the foreground figures.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1618 under the artistic and possibly patronal influence of Cardinal Federico Borromeo's circle in Milan, the work is now part of the Art Gallery of New South Wales's collection.
Context
This work was created amidst the early Baroque movement in Italy, alongside artists like Giovanni Battista Crespi and Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli, reflecting the era's religious and artistic trends.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Giulio Cesare Procaccini (30 May 1574 – 14 November 1625) was an Italian painter and sculptor of the early Baroque era in Milan.
