Mario Nuzzi, detto Mario de' Fiori (1603–1673), Workshop of - L'Arcangelo Gabriele entro una ghirlanda di fiori - NO RESERVE

Description:

We are proud to present at auction an extraordinary oil on canvas painting from the full Roman Baroque period (c. 1655–1675), conceived under the sophisticated typology of the “ghirlanda devozionale”.

This monumental four-handed composition is the product of the characteristic collaboration of the Roman workshops of the era: the vibrant botanical border is attributed to the Workshop (Bottega) of the great Mario Nuzzi, called “Mario de’ Fiori” (1603–1673), indisputable pioneer of the floral genre in papal Rome, with very probable interventions by the master in the masterful corollas.

The serene classicism of the central figure, Archangel Gabriel, executed by a history painter, reflects the elegant lines dictated by the circle of Carlo Maratta.

The format of the canvas (97.5 × 72.5 cm) is a conclusive expert datum, since it coincides to the millimeter with the version catalogued in the British National Trust at Tatton Park (96.5 × 72.5 cm), which undeniably shows that this work emanates directly from the same invention cartoons of the Roman workshop.

The reverse of the canvas constitutes an unimpeachable historical document that safeguards the piece’s traceability: it retains the cross-stretcher with keys that accommodated its historical re-stretching (late 19th / early 20th century) and multiple inventory labels. Highlight the red “COLECCIÓN” typographic label (nobiliary Spanish provenance) and, above all, the customs cartouche “M & C.ª / 32465 B”.

The latter corresponds to Mourraille & Cía, the illustrious transatlantic import and consignation firm that managed the transfer of European masterpieces to major overseas patrimonies over a century ago.

* Artist: Workshop (Bottega) of Mario Nuzzi (“Mario de’ Fiori”, 1603–1673) and a figurist from the circle of Carlo Maratta

* Title of the work: L'Arcangelo Gabriele (Angelo dell'Annunciazione) in una ghirlanda di fiori

* Height: 97.5 cm (canvas), 113 cm (framed)
* Width: 72.5 cm (canvas), 94 cm (framed)
* Representation/theme: Religion, Nature

Details of the work: The Archangel Gabriel (Angelo dell'Annunciazione) in a garland of flowers, oil on canvas with historic old re-stretching, dated c. 1655–1675.
Dimensions: The canvas measures exactly 97.5 × 72.5 cm. The work is presented enhanced in an important period/style frame with total measurements of 113 × 94 cm.

Signature: Untouched by a formal signature, following the strict norm in the collaborative praxis of the great Roman Baroque ateliers, where the master gave the go-ahead to the workshop’s work.

Provenance:

* Spanish private collection (attested by an original label on the reverse).

* Inventory of the Mourraille & Cía art brokerage firm (M & C.ª, no. 32465 B) from the late 19th to early 20th century.

* Subsequent auction/catalog numbers on the reverse (558508, 558347).

Condition: The expert assessment considers the condition acceptable and materially stabilized.

The canvas presents a very well consolidated historic re-stretching on a regular-weave auxiliary canvas and cross-stretcher with keys. The painted surface preserves a splendid and natural aging craquelure (mechanical craquelure visible in the flesh tones and backgrounds), irrefutably attesting to its seventeenth-century origin on the classic reddish ground preparation.

The painting retains a layer of varnish markedly oxidized and yellowed, which dulls the contrast of the blues, lead whites, and carmines of the flowers. A future professional cleaning would restore the full luminosity and chromatic vibrancy of the Baroque.

Shipping: The work will be packed in a strictly professional manner by Tesoros y Subastas, with certified and insured international shipping, ensuring maximum protection of the frame and the antique support.

Disclaimer about the frame: The frame shown in the photographs has been added to the artwork to enhance presentation and is included as a courtesy/gift from the seller. It is not an integral part of the auction lot, and any damage to the frame, or damage occurring during transit that does not affect the artwork itself, will not be accepted as grounds for a claim or cancellation of the sale.