After Juan de Valdés Leal (XIX-XX) - "In Ictu Oculi" (in un batter d'occhio)

"In Ictu Oculi" by Juan de Valdés Leal
Oil on copper plate, estimated period: 18th - 19th century (or a previous workshop milieu)

Extraordinary and evocative painting executed in oil on copper plate, which constitutes a refined period homage to the famous and somber Baroque masterpiece "In Ictu Oculi" (created around 1672 by the Spanish master Juan de Valdés Leal).
The work captures with great intensity the Baroque theme of Memento Mori and Vanitas: the central figure of a skeleton personifying Death extinguishes a candle with the swift gesture indicated by the Latin motto "IN ICTU OCULI" (in the blink of an eye). With one hand it holds the scythe and rests a foot on the terrestrial globe, while at his feet lie symbols of earthly power, wealth, military glory and wisdom (crowns, armors, books and ecclesiastical vestments).
The choice of a copper plate support gives the painting a particular luster, depth, and preservation of details, typical of high-quality productions in small-to-medium format intended for private Cabinet collections. The painting technique shows an expert hand, probably attributable to the circle or to a learned milieu close to the original prototype, characterized by strong chiaroscuro contrasts in a Caravaggesque flavor.
Copper plate in generally good condition, stable, with slight signs of aging
Colors still vivid and deep, with a beautiful patina of the era. Light and normal craquelure or circumscribed micro-cracks, well integrated into the historical context of the work.

An extraordinarily fascinating iconographic piece, unmissable for collectors of memento mori, antique painting on metal support, and grand symbolic portraiture.

Accurate tracked shipping carried out with appropriate materials; the frame is complimentary.