意大利学校 (XVIII) - El cardenal

Pictura Subastas presents this magnificent artwork belonging to the Italian school of the 18th century, which represents the faith and spiritual recollection of a high religious dignitary in an intimate moment of prayer and contemplation. The painting stands out for its excellent technique and the great pictorial quality it conveys.

· Frame dimensions: 27x23.5x5 cm.
· Artwork dimensions: 17.5x14 cm.
· Oil on copper.
· The piece is in good conservation condition, it shows restorations.
· The work is sold with a precious frame (included in the auction as a gift).

The work comes from an exclusive private collection in Girona.

Important note: the included photographs are an integral part of the lot description.

The painting will be professionally packaged by an IVEX expert (https://www.instagram.com/ivex.online/), using high-quality materials to ensure its protection. The shipping price covers both the cost of professional packaging and the transport itself.
Shipping will be carried out by Correos, GLS or NACEX with tracking. International shipping available.

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This painting presents the image captured and deeply spiritual of a mature man, represented in a praying posture, enveloped in a warm and solemn atmosphere that conveys recollection and devotion. The figure appears in three-quarter view, with the head slightly inclined downward and the eyes directed to a point outside the viewer’s field of vision, as if contemplating a sacred object or immersed in inner meditation. The light, soft but intense, bathes his face and highlights the features with a delicacy that underscores the expression of humility and concentration.

The character wears a wide cloak of an intense red color that visually dominates the composition, imparting strength and dignity to the scene. Under it one perceives a white collar carefully crafted and gilded details on the cuffs suggesting episcopal rank and solemnity. The vibrant red contrasts with the darker, earthy background, generating a dramatic effect that concentrates attention on the central figure. The warm tone that envelops the entire scene creates a sense of intimacy and spiritual recollection.

The character’s hands, joined in a prayer gesture, are placed at the center of the composition, becoming a visual axis that balances the scene. The treatment of the hands is particularly expressive: interlaced fingers and a firm yet soft posture convey fervor and serenity. There is no tension in the gesture, but a tranquil and reflective surrender. This detail reinforces the idea of a private moment, almost confidential, in which the figure is detached from the outside world.

The face, with marked features and a concentrated expression, reflects maturity and experience. The clear forehead and the slight tilt of the head suggest humility before the divine. The lighting models the volume of the skull and emphasizes the soft shadows that define facial structure, adding depth and realism. The background, devoid of narrative elements, acts as a neutral space that intensifies the protagonism of the portrayed and removes any distraction.

The composition achieves a balance between solemnity and humanity, showing not only the dignity of the office that the character seems to hold, but also his intimate and spiritual dimension. The contrast between the chromatic richness of the clothing and the simplicity of the prayer gesture generates a visual tension that enriches the symbolic reading of the work. Everything in the scene points to a suspended moment, charged with silence and contemplation.

In summary. The work represents sincere devotion and spiritual recollection of an ecclesiastical figure, captured in an intimate moment of prayer that combines dignity, humility and inner depth.