Description
The painting "St Dominic Resuscitating Napoleone Orsini" is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art, created by the artist Bartolomeo Degli Erri in the 17th century. The work shows San Domingo de Guzmán, the founder of the Dominican Order, resurrecting the Italian nobleman Napoleone Orsini, who had been assassinated by his enemy in the city of Bologna.
Degli Erri's artistic style is distinctly Baroque, with great attention to detail and strong emotional sensitivity. The painting is full of movement and drama, with the characters in dynamic poses and intense expressions. The composition is very effective, with Saint Dominic at the center of the scene, surrounded by the faithful and the angels who help him in his task.
The use of color in the painting is impressive, with a rich and vibrant palette that includes warm and cool tones. The artist uses color to create an effect of light and shadow that gives depth and dimension to the work.
The story behind the painting is fascinating, as it is based on a real event that took place in Bologna in the 13th century. Napoleone Orsini was assassinated in the city and his body was taken to the church of San Nicolás, where San Domingo de Guzmán was preaching at the time. According to legend, Saint Dominic raised Napoleone with his prayers and miraculously brought him back to life.
Although the work is relatively small, with an original size of 36 x 45 cm, it is one of the most important paintings in Degli Erri and one of the most outstanding works of Italian Baroque art. Few know that the painting was commissioned by the Orsini family, as a tribute to their ancestor Napoleone and as a sign of their devotion to Saint Dominic.
In short, "St Dominic Resuscitating Napoleone Orsini" is an impressive work of art that combines masterful technique, striking composition, and a fascinating story. It is a display of the power and beauty of Italian Baroque art and a work that continues to captivate viewers to this day.