Carlo Dolci (firenze 1616 - 1686) Bottega, Mater Dolorosa

Carlo Dolci (Florence 1616 - 1686)
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Mater Dolorosa, known as Our Lady of the Finger

Oil on oval canvas,
29 x 23 cm.
In frame 48 x 43 cm.

The painting we present to you depicts a particular iconography of the Virgin, called Mater Dolorosa, absorbed in suffering over the loss of her Son; in our case she is portrayed in half-length, with her gaze turned to the ground and her eyes half-closed, while she wears a blue cloak from which the tip of a finger emerges.

It is presumably a workshop replica of the painting entitled 'Madonna del dito' and created by Carlo Dolci (Florence 1616 - 1686), the undisputed protagonist of seventeenth-century painting in Florence and an artist praised by critics and biographers already of his time.

There are numerous versions of the famous composition, conceived in 1678, including one preserved in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (inv. P536: https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0900621726), one in the Gallery Borghese in Rome (inv. 340: https://www.collezionegalleriaborghese.it/opere/madonna-del-dito) and yet another at the Corsini Gallery in Florence (https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/ card/work/55651/Dolci%20Carlo%2C%20Madonna%20addolorata).

These and other versions, often accompanied by the depiction of an Ecce Homo, were widely sought after both for their heartfelt beauty and for their strong expressive immediacy, a production to which Carlo Dolci firmly linked his name, churning out a series of images destined for private devotion, some of which were reproduced by many of his followers, first of all we can mention the Florentine Bartolomeo Mancini, his faithful student.

Although the features are accentuated by pain, the work is characterized by an incredible sweetness and formal elegance. The noble beauty of the Virgin and her expressive power are here enhanced by extreme figurative expertise.

Thanks to the creation of extraordinary works, executed with impeccable diligence and with a descriptive rigor that we could call "hyper-realistic", Dolci was highly appreciated by the most illustrious members of the House of Medici and the European nobility, leading his workshop to have to satisfy numerous requests from a very demanding client.

The painting is in good condition, perfectly restored and relined, complete with a beautiful antique carved, pierced and gilded wooden frame.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included.

Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you.

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