Italian school (XIX) - Sacro Cuore di Gesù

Refined antique oil painting on canvas, oval in shape, dated to the early 19th century, depicting the intense and famous iconography of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The work faithfully follows the famous eighteenth‑century model (1767) by the Baroque master Pompeo Batoni, kept in the Church of the Gesù in Rome. Jesus is portrayed in half length with long hair and a beard, the austere and piercing gaze directed toward the viewer. He wears the traditional red tunic (symbolizing his humanity and sacrifice) and a blue mantle (symbolizing his divine nature). With his left hand he holds and emphasizes the flaming heart, topped by a small cross from which radiate white light rays. The right hand is open in a welcoming gesture of offering, peace, and blessing.