Giovanni Maria Mossa (1896-1973) - Santa Rosa da Lima

Oil-on-canvas painting by the painter Giovanni Maria Mossa depicting Saint Rose of Lima - Rosa of Lima, or Rosa of Santa Maria, born Isabel Flores de Oliva (Lima, April 20, 1586 – Lima, August 24, 1617), who was a Peruvian religious of the Dominican Third Order.
A figure of great importance in Christian tradition, represented with vivid details and a color palette that conveys serenity and devotion, Saint Rose of Lima was canonized in 1671 by Pope Clement X and is the patron saint of Peru, her homeland. From early childhood she had visions. At the inspiration of the Blessed Virgin Mary she changed her name to Rosa of Santa Maria.
Her life, spent in her father's house in penance and humility, was tested by great sufferings, opposition, and illness: a rhythm of battles and spiritual struggles always won by the strengthening power of prayer.
Her ideal of Christian perfection was Saint Catherine of Siena, and in 1608 she entered the Third Order of Saint Dominic. She subjected herself continually to harsh penances, and roses became an integral part of her sufferings.
It is told that she cultivated them to braid crowns of thorns that she bore all her life, causing herself to bleed. She then gathered the roses, threw them into the air toward her Lord, and they arranged themselves as a cross, thus indicating God’s gratitude for her love and devotion.
Thorns and roses are a constant in the hagiography of saints. In Subiaco, Saint Benedict is depicted mortifying himself by rolling among thorns and Saint Francis, before receiving the stigmata, threw himself into a thornbush. This turned into roses and even today in Assisi, at the Porziuncola, a plant of roses without thorns is shown.
Not by chance did Saint Rose take that name: the “Mystical Rose” is called the Virgin Mary.
She died young. Rosa, very young, in 1617, a little over thirty years old.
With generous dimensions of 150 x 100 cm, this work of art is a true masterpiece that captures the eye and enriches any space.

Characteristics:
- Artist: Giovanni Maria Mossa, known for his ability to portray sacred figures with a unique emotional depth. (Born in Tempio Pausania in 1896, he presented to Milan the painting “Popolana in costume sardo” in 1923 at the Brera National Exhibition. Leaving Sardinia to attend the Brera Academy in Milan, he returned during the Great War to fight in the Sassari Brigade. Winning the Hayez prize in 1921 and the “Canonico” in 1924 marked his rise. He became the Master of many Italian figurative artists of the early 20th century. He died in Pianico (Bergamo) in 1982.

Dimensions: 150 x 100 cm, ideal for display in living rooms, studies, or art galleries.
Condition: good relative to its age. The painting surface, edges, corners, and any signs of time are detailed in the photographs. Therefore, please view all images carefully, as they are an integral part of the description.
This canvas is not only a decorative element but also a piece of spirituality and culture that carries the history and beauty of sacred art. Perfect for collectors or for those who wish to enrich their home with a work of great artistic value. The work is offered based on the signature on the canvas and the information available to the seller; it is not accompanied by a certificate of authenticity or archival documentation. Any slight differences in color perception compared to the live work may be due to lighting conditions during photography.
Given the important dimensions of the work, hand pickup is possible. Alternatively, if shipping by courier or specialized carrier is arranged, the related shipping and transport costs will be entirely the responsibility of the buyer.
IT: Pick-up only in the area at the buyer’s expense (also via own courier with a prepaid waybill).
EN: Pick-up only. Buyer can arrange their own courier collection (shipping label must be provided in advance).