Artwork Page for The Risen Christ Appearing to the Virgin

Details / Information for The Risen Christ Appearing to the Virgin

The Risen Christ Appearing to the Virgin

c. 1708

Francesco Solimena

(Italian, 1657–1747)
Culture
Italy, 18th century
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
Framed: 250.2 x 197.5 x 12.7 cm (98 1/2 x 77 3/4 x 5 in.); Unframed: 222.5 x 169.5 cm (87 5/8 x 66 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1971.63
Public Domain
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Location
217 Italian Baroque
Print

Description

The dramatic contrasts of light and dark reveal the long aftereffects of Caravaggio in Naples. Yet, the elegant forms, rich colors, and perfected body of Christ have far more affinities with the idealizing strand of Italian art in the 1600s and 1700s. Solimena sought to improve on nature, based on the study of antiquity, aiming to create a work of grandeur and nobility meant to inspire reverence and devotion appropriate to the holy subject.
A vertically oriented oil painting depicts the Risen Christ appearing to the Virgin Mary, both with light skin tones. On our right, Christ stands draped in light green cloth, reaching one hand toward Mary while holding a banner with a red cross. To our left, Mary sits in a pink dress and blue cloak. Winged child figures surround them against a dark background. Scattered pink and white roses lie on the floor.

The Risen Christ Appearing to the Virgin

c. 1708

Francesco Solimena

(Italian, 1657–1747)
Italy, 18th century

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