Description
The painting Rest on the Flight into Egypt with St Francis, by the Italian artist Correggio, is a work that captivates with its beauty and complexity. Made in oil on canvas, this work measures 120 x 105 cm and was painted in the 16th century.
One of the most interesting aspects of this work is its artistic style. Correggio is known for being one of the main representatives of Mannerism, an artistic movement characterized by the exaggeration of forms and the search for originality and complexity. In this work, we can see how the artist uses the sfumato technique to create a mystical and ethereal atmosphere that envelops the characters and landscapes.
The composition of the work is also very interesting. The central figure is the Virgin Mary, who is seated on the ground while holding the baby Jesus on her lap. Around him, we can see Saint Joseph, who rests in a tree, and Saint Francis of Assisi, who kneels in adoration. In the background, you can see a mountainous landscape that is lost in the distance.
Color is another prominent aspect of the work. Correggio uses a palette of soft and bright colors, which create a feeling of peace and tranquility. The pastel tones of the characters' clothing contrast with the dark green of the trees and the blue of the sky, creating a visual harmony that invites contemplation.
The history of the painting is also very interesting. The work was commissioned by the Bentivoglio family, one of the most powerful in the Italian city of Bologna. The work is believed to have been painted for the family chapel in the church of San Giovanni in Monte, in Bologna. However, the work was stolen in the 17th century and was not recovered until the 19th century, when it was acquired by the Prado Museum in Madrid.
Finally, there are some little-known aspects of the work that are also interesting. For example, it is believed that the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi was later added to the work, since it does not appear in the first documents that refer to it. Furthermore, some experts have suggested that the figure of Saint Joseph could be a self-portrait of Correggio himself.
In short, Rest on the Flight into Egypt with St Francis is a fascinating work of art that combines aesthetic beauty with technical complexity and historical richness. A work that deserves to be contemplated carefully to appreciate all its details and nuances.