Description
The painting Madonna Enthroned with St Matthew by the artist Annibale Carracci is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art that stands out for its beauty and elegance. The work was created in 1588 and is currently in the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan.
One of the most interesting aspects of this work is its artistic style, which combines elements of the Renaissance and the Baroque. Carracci used a highly detailed and realistic painting technique, which can be seen in the faces and clothing of the characters.
The composition of the painting is also very interesting, as it is organized around a central axis that goes from the head of the Virgin Mary to the book held by Saint Matthew. The figure of the Virgin is surrounded by a group of angels and saints, who pay homage to her.
Color is another remarkable aspect of this work. Carracci used a palette of bright, lively colors, which give the painting a sense of lightness and vitality. Gold and blue tones predominate in the work, creating an effect of harmony and balance.
As for the history of the painting, it is known that it was commissioned by the Farnese family for the church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli in Rome. The work was very well received by the public and became a benchmark for Italian Baroque art.
Finally, it is necessary to highlight some little-known aspects of this work, such as the fact that Carracci used live models to create the characters in the painting. In addition, it has recently been discovered that the painting was retouched by another artist in the 17th century, which has generated debate among experts about its authenticity.