Description
The painting "Virgin and Child with the Infant St John the Baptist" by the artist Francesco De Mura is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque of the 18th century. The painting shows the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus on her lap, while little Saint John the Baptist approaches to adore the child.
De Mura's artistic style is evident in the softness of the contours and the delicacy of the details. The composition is harmonious and balanced, with meticulous attention to the anatomy and expression of the characters. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in the painting.
Color is another outstanding aspect of this work. The soft, warm skin tones of the characters contrast with the darker, cooler tones of the background. Gold accents on the clothing of the Virgin and Child add a touch of shine and light to the painting.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by Cardinal Orsini in the year 1750 for his private chapel in the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini in Rome. The painting was stolen in 1902 and recovered in 1913, after having been sold to a private collector.
A little known aspect of this painting is that De Mura was a very prolific painter, with a career that spanned over 50 years. Despite this, there are relatively few of his works in museums and public collections, which makes this painting all the more valuable and special.
In short, the painting "Virgin and Child with the Infant St John the Baptist" is an Italian Baroque masterpiece that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color, and the story behind it. It is a jewel in Cardinal Orsini's collection and an impressive example of the talent of Francesco De Mura.