Cesare Maccari (1840–1919) - Santo Stefano battezza i barbari

CESARE MACCARI
(Siena, 1840 – Rome, 1919)
Saint Stephen baptizes the barbarians
Oil painting on cardboard, 19 x 33 cm.
Signature line at the bottom left.
Frame size, approximately 40 x 53.5 x 5 cm.


NOTE: Publication of the Intermidiart collection works catalog. Artwork with signature trace. Certificate of Guarantee and Legitimate Provenance. Artwork with gilded frame (defects):

This exquisite work – originating from the antique market – focused on the figure of Saint Stephen, undoubtedly belongs to the talented Tuscan painter Cesare Maccari (Siena, 1840 – Rome, 1919), a student of Luigi Mussini at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Siena (his hometown), and one of the leading proponents of purism in painting.
The work depicts the Christian martyr Saint Stephen in the act of baptizing a group of people identified as 'barbarians.' Usually, Saint Stephen is not depicted while baptizing but is represented as the first Christian martyr. His historical role is that of one of the first seven deacons chosen to serve the Christian community in Jerusalem, and he was stoned for his faith. The scene is set under wide arches and features a crowd of figures arranged around the saint, who stands on a platform.
Maccari is known for his historical and religious paintings, including frescoes in places like Palazzo Madama in Rome and the Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto. This sketch is part of his body of work related to religious themes and conversion.
Cesare Maccari, born in Siena on May 9, 1840, developed a passion for sculpture from a young age, attending the Istituto di Belle Arti di Siena at just fifteen. In 1856, he began working in the studio of Siena-born Tito Sarrocchi, and in 1866, he won a scholarship that allowed him to study Renaissance masters in Florence and fresco art in Perugia. Starting from 1872, he dedicated himself to painting easel works, specializing in exotic, sentimental subjects and scenes from ancient Rome. Between 1881 and 1888, he won the competition for the decoration of the Sala Gialla at Palazzo Madama in Rome, and in 1888, he received the commission for the fresco decoration of the dome and drum of the Basilica of Loreto. Later, he focused on frescoes on the ceiling and walls of the Aula Magna at the Palazzo di Giustizia in Rome, depicting allegories and themes related to justice and the history of law. In 1909, Maccari was struck by paralysis and was forced into inactivity; he died in Rome on April 7, 1919.
Regarding the state of preservation, the painted surface shows a patinated varnish. Under Wood light, some small scattered restorations are visible, with some paint loss in various parts of the work. Additionally, under raking sunlight, the characteristics of the applied color and the brushstroke pattern are noticeable. The dimensions of the work are 19 x 33 cm. As mentioned above, the piece comes from the market as an autograph work by Cesare Maccari. The painting is enhanced by a gilded frame, which has a strong decorative effect (dimensions approximately 40 x 53.5 x 5 cm, with some defects). The frame shown in the photos above was added to the artwork by the seller or a third party. The frame is provided at no additional cost so that it is ready for display upon arrival. The frame is included as a courtesy and is not considered an integral part of the artwork. Therefore, any potential damage to the frame that does not affect the artwork itself will not be accepted as a valid reason to open a claim or request order cancellation.

Provenance: Private Collection

Publication
Unpublished
Myths and the territory in Sicily with its thousand cultures. Unpublished quadreria general catalog of the paintings from the cycle "Myths and the territory," Publisher Lab_04, Marsala, 2025.

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