Description
The painting The Guardian Angel by Pietro Da Cortona is an Italian Baroque masterpiece dating from the 17th century. The work is located in the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy and measures 225 x 143 cm. This painting is one of the most emblematic works of Da Cortona and is considered one of the most important of the Italian Baroque.
Da Cortona's artistic style is characterized by its drama and dynamism, and this is clearly seen in The Guardian Angel. The composition of the painting is very interesting, since the angel is in the center of the work, floating in the air and holding a sword in his right hand. The angel is surrounded by a brilliant light that illuminates the entire scene, creating a mystical and heavenly atmosphere.
Color is another prominent aspect of the painting. Da Cortona used a very rich and vibrant color palette, with gold, red and blue tones. These colors create a very striking contrast and highlight the figure of the angel.
The story behind the painting is very interesting. The work was commissioned by the Barberini family, one of the most influential families of the time. The painting was created for the Barberini chapel in the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome. The work represents the divine protection that the angel offers to the Barberini family and their devotion to the Virgin Mary.
A little known aspect of the painting is that it took Da Cortona more than 10 years to complete it. The work was created between 1660 and 1670 and the artist is said to have worked on it intermittently throughout this time.
In conclusion, Pietro Da Cortona's The Guardian Angel is an Italian Baroque masterpiece that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color and the story behind it. This painting is one of the most important of the artist and one of the most emblematic of the Italian Baroque.