Description
The Coronation of the Virgin with the Saints, the work of the Italian artist Giulio Cesare Procaccini, is a painting that captivates with its beauty and complexity. This late-Baroque masterpiece is in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC and is considered one of the most important pieces in the collection.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with a large number of figures that intertwine in a heavenly scene. The Virgin Mary, surrounded by angels and saints, is crowned by the Holy Trinity, while the apostles and martyrs watch from below. The sensation of movement and depth is impressive, thanks to the artist's ability to create a dynamic perspective.
Procaccini's artistic style is unique and is characterized by his use of light and colour. The painting is filled with warm, vibrant tones, creating a feeling of warmth and joy. The details in the characters' clothing and faces are impressive, demonstrating the artist's ability to create a work of art that is both realistic and imaginative.
The history of painting is fascinating. It was commissioned by the Borromeo family, one of the most influential families in Milan in the 17th century. The work was created for the family chapel in the church of San Carlo al Corso in Milan, where it remained for more than two centuries before being sold to a private collector in the 19th century.
One of the lesser known aspects of the painting is its symbolism. The crown that is placed on the head of the Virgin Mary represents her role as queen of heaven, while the saints and angels that surround her symbolize the community of the faithful. The Holy Trinity, which is located at the top of the painting, represents divine unity.