Madonna with Child and St Francis of Assisi by Simone Cantarini
Simone Cantarini was a baroque painter born in 1612 in Pesaro, Italy. He began training at a quite young age, in the studio of Giovanni Giacomo Pandolfi, who specialized on religious works, combining the local naturalism with the mannerist style of the late sixteenth century. Later on, Cantarini received training in the Venetian school that was also a strong current and became deeply appreciative of the art of Federico Barocci. His paintings demonstrate a caravaggesque influence. In 1642, Cantarini returned to Bologna, where he maintained a successful studio until his death in 1648.
This 17 th century painting depicts the blessed Virgin Mary holding the Holy Child Jesus on her lap, who is leaning towards his mother. Both of them gaze down to Saint Francis of Assisi, who in a posture of adoration nods his head down, in a well known gesture for catholics before being blessed.
The enfant Child stretches his hand towards the saint. A mature Saint Francis looks tired and yet peaceful, implying that he received such glorious gift only after a life of hard work towards sanctity.
Location: Hermitage Museum
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