Description
The painting "The Sleep of the Infant Jesus, with Musician Angels" by Carlo Maratti is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art that is in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. The work measures 120 x 98 cm and is painted in oil on canvas.
Maratti's artistic style is characterized by his ability to create a sense of movement and emotion in his works. In this painting, the musical angels play their instruments with great passion as they surround the sleeping baby Jesus in his cradle. The composition of the painting is very balanced, with angels strategically placed around the child's cradle to create a sense of harmony and tranquility.
Color is also a prominent aspect of the painting, with a soft and delicate palette that reflects the tenderness of the moment depicted. Pastel shades of pink, blue and yellow create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites the viewer to enter the scene and participate in the peace and serenity of the moment.
The story behind the painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by Cardinal Flavio Chigi in the 17th century as part of his private art collection. The work has been kept in excellent condition over the years and has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and studies by art experts.
One of the lesser known aspects of the painting is that Maratti included his own image in the work as one of the musical angels. This personal detail adds an extra dimension to the work and shows the artist's connection to the scene he is depicting.
In short, "The Sleep of the Infant Jesus, with Musician Angels" is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art that stands out for its artistic style, balanced composition, soft and delicate color palette, and its interesting and little-known history.