Description
The Immaculate Conception painting by Francesco Signorelli is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art. The original size of 217 x 210 cm is impressive and allows to appreciate in detail the complexity of the composition and the details of the color.
Signorelli's artistic style is characterized by his ability to create effects of light and shadow, which allows him to give a sense of depth and realism to his works. In Immaculate Conception, this is clearly seen in the figure of the Virgin Mary, who appears to float in midair surrounded by heavenly light.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, as Signorelli uses a technique called "di sotto in su", which means "from the bottom up". This means that the painting is viewed from a lower point of view, creating a feeling of elevation and upward movement.
Color is another highlight of Immaculate Conception. Signorelli uses a bright, saturated color palette to create a sense of joy and celebration. The dark blue background contrasts with the gold and red tones of the clothes of the Virgin and the angels, creating an impressive visual effect.
The history of the painting is also very interesting. It was commissioned by the Della Rovere family, one of the most powerful families in Italy in the 17th century, for their private chapel in the church of San Lorenzo in Gubbio. The painting was considered one of the most important works in the chapel and was kept there until it was transferred to the Diocesan Museum of Gubbio in the 19th century.
Finally, a little known aspect of Immaculate Conception is that Signorelli used real models to create the figures of the Virgin and the angels. The model for the Virgin is said to have been a young woman named Lucrezia, while the angels were modeled by the artist's children.
In short, Immaculate Conception is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color, and the story behind its creation. It is a painting that continues to fascinate art lovers and deserves to be admired in person to appreciate all its beauty and detail.