Artwork
Johann Nepomuk vor König Wenzel
Johann Nepomuk vor König Wenzel is an unspecified painting by the Barbizon school artist Paolo de Matteis. It dates from 1698 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Paolo de Matteis painted Johann Nepomuk vor König Wenzel in 1698. The oil work is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. It presents a staged gathering of figures on a stairwell, centered on a crowned man in a white robe, with surrounding attendants and a floating female figure holding a wreath.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, likely representing Saint John Nepomuk, is shown elevated on a staircase, suggesting his sanctified status. The surrounding men, some armored, may symbolize earthly authority, while the ethereal woman above, clutching a wreath, could denote divine approval or martyrdom. The composition conveys a narrative of reverence and tension between the sacred and the secular.
Technique & Style
De Matteis employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, contrasting illuminated areas with deep shadows that give the scene a three‑dimensional quality. The palette shifts from muted tones in the background to brighter highlights on the central figures, enhancing the dramatic focus and guiding the viewer’s eye through the complex arrangement.
History & Provenance
Created at the close of the 17th century, the painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its provenance reflects the museum’s acquisition of Baroque works, preserving de Matteis’s contribution to the period’s visual culture.
Artist & collection
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