Antonio Sciacca (1957) - Testa di Medusa
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Selected by Caroline Bokobza
Graduated as French auctioneer and worked in Sotheby’s Paris valuation department.
Estimate € 1,300 - € 1,600
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Description from the seller
The painting presented here is Medusa's head by Antonio Sciacca, oil on canvas.
Dimensions 70 cm x 50 cm without frame. From 1999.
Antonio Sciacca's painting, inspired by Caravaggio's famous 'Medusa,' is a work of great visual and symbolic impact. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte, ambassador to Rome of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the painting was donated in 1598 to Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici to enrich his collection at Palazzo Vecchio.
Sciacca depicts Medusa, the mythological monster with a head of snakes, at the moment of her defeat by Perseus. With Minerva's help, Perseus observes Medusa's face reflected in his shield and beheads her. Sciacca's portrayal captures the dramatic moment when the Gorgon is killed: the screaming face, the eyes and mouth wide open in fear and surprise, and the head from which blood flows.
The choice to depict Medusa is not accidental; the head of the Gorgon indeed represents the allegory of wisdom and prudence, two concepts highly valued by the Medici. In this work, Sciacca's mastery is evident in his ability to deliberately leave the drawing's graphic quality visible, allowing viewers to appreciate its grace, the bold and decisive brushstrokes.
Sciacca uses a palette of vivid and contrasting colors, with tones ranging from intense yellows to deep blues, passing through bright reds and earthy shades. This use of color helps create a dramatic and intense atmosphere, amplifying the horror and tragedy of the moment depicted.
The brushstrokes of Sciacca are decisive and vigorous, giving the painting a rich and dynamic texture. His ability to render anatomical details and the complexity of the snakes forming Medusa's hair demonstrates remarkable technical mastery.
This work of remarkable craftsmanship has been exhibited in various national and international shows, receiving praise from the world's leading critics. It is considered a secure investment due to its artistic quality and symbolic value. Critics have praised Sciacca for his ability to reinterpret a classical subject with modern sensitivity, while maintaining a deep respect for traditional painting. The artwork will be professionally packed, shipped with tracked delivery, and insured.
Seller's Story
Milan Museums Art Watches SRLS: Excellence and Innovation in the World of Art.
A company that embodies Ida Ruffolo's vision and passion for art represents the artistic intuition of an art dealer who has been able to create a reference company for private collectors, art galleries and artists of all generation. Our company quickly specialized in the buying and selling of works of art, gaining the trust of the market through a strong brand and impeccable reliability.
With the opening of two strategic offices, one in the North and one in the South of Italy, Milano Musei Arte Orologi SRLS has established itself as an exclusive point of reference for purchases and sales in the art sector. Our selection of works is the result of careful research and in-depth knowledge of the market, offering only the best to investors and art enthusiasts.
Our care in selecting artists is meticulous: we choose only exceptional talents to include in our catalogue, with the aim of marketing and promoting their works internationally. This selection process guarantees that each artist and work represented by Milano Musei Arte Orologi SRLS is synonymous with quality and investment potential.
Milano Musei Arte Orologi SRLS is today a consolidated reality, capable of serving customers in almost all countries of the world, with a constant commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of art. Our mission is to enrich our clients' collections with works that not only beautify spaces, but which also represent a long-lasting and significant investment.
Translated by Google TranslateThe painting presented here is Medusa's head by Antonio Sciacca, oil on canvas.
Dimensions 70 cm x 50 cm without frame. From 1999.
Antonio Sciacca's painting, inspired by Caravaggio's famous 'Medusa,' is a work of great visual and symbolic impact. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte, ambassador to Rome of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the painting was donated in 1598 to Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici to enrich his collection at Palazzo Vecchio.
Sciacca depicts Medusa, the mythological monster with a head of snakes, at the moment of her defeat by Perseus. With Minerva's help, Perseus observes Medusa's face reflected in his shield and beheads her. Sciacca's portrayal captures the dramatic moment when the Gorgon is killed: the screaming face, the eyes and mouth wide open in fear and surprise, and the head from which blood flows.
The choice to depict Medusa is not accidental; the head of the Gorgon indeed represents the allegory of wisdom and prudence, two concepts highly valued by the Medici. In this work, Sciacca's mastery is evident in his ability to deliberately leave the drawing's graphic quality visible, allowing viewers to appreciate its grace, the bold and decisive brushstrokes.
Sciacca uses a palette of vivid and contrasting colors, with tones ranging from intense yellows to deep blues, passing through bright reds and earthy shades. This use of color helps create a dramatic and intense atmosphere, amplifying the horror and tragedy of the moment depicted.
The brushstrokes of Sciacca are decisive and vigorous, giving the painting a rich and dynamic texture. His ability to render anatomical details and the complexity of the snakes forming Medusa's hair demonstrates remarkable technical mastery.
This work of remarkable craftsmanship has been exhibited in various national and international shows, receiving praise from the world's leading critics. It is considered a secure investment due to its artistic quality and symbolic value. Critics have praised Sciacca for his ability to reinterpret a classical subject with modern sensitivity, while maintaining a deep respect for traditional painting. The artwork will be professionally packed, shipped with tracked delivery, and insured.
Seller's Story
Milan Museums Art Watches SRLS: Excellence and Innovation in the World of Art.
A company that embodies Ida Ruffolo's vision and passion for art represents the artistic intuition of an art dealer who has been able to create a reference company for private collectors, art galleries and artists of all generation. Our company quickly specialized in the buying and selling of works of art, gaining the trust of the market through a strong brand and impeccable reliability.
With the opening of two strategic offices, one in the North and one in the South of Italy, Milano Musei Arte Orologi SRLS has established itself as an exclusive point of reference for purchases and sales in the art sector. Our selection of works is the result of careful research and in-depth knowledge of the market, offering only the best to investors and art enthusiasts.
Our care in selecting artists is meticulous: we choose only exceptional talents to include in our catalogue, with the aim of marketing and promoting their works internationally. This selection process guarantees that each artist and work represented by Milano Musei Arte Orologi SRLS is synonymous with quality and investment potential.
Milano Musei Arte Orologi SRLS is today a consolidated reality, capable of serving customers in almost all countries of the world, with a constant commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of art. Our mission is to enrich our clients' collections with works that not only beautify spaces, but which also represent a long-lasting and significant investment.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
Antonio Sciacca (1957)
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Gallery
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Testa di Medusa
Technique
Mixed media
Signature
Hand signed
Country of Origin
Italy
Year
1999
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
70 cm
Width
50 cm
Weight
2 kg
Style
Caravaggisti
Period
1990-2000
