Our Lady Of Prayer

Roman school, 18th century

Our Lady of Prayer

Oil on canvas, in oval, cm 62 x 47

The painting depicts the Madonna in prayer, an iconography very widespread during the seventeenth century, especially with regard to the area of central Italy, in private devotional. The face, illuminated by a warm and bright light, is framed by a very light white veil, which falls gently on the neck and shoulders. The expression of the face is sweet and enigmatic at the same time and the Virgin seems to be represented in a state of total and deep recollection. The hands are slightly open, placed in an extremely natural arrangement. The bright and calm figure of the virgin contrasts with the monochrome background in brownish tones, emerging strongly.

The Andachtsbilder, or devotional half-oiled images of the great masters of the mid-seventeenth century catalyze the attention of the painter responsible for this beautiful oval, that makes its own the elegant iconographic types of Guido Reni and Sassoferrato reinterpreting them in a fresh and innovative way.