The Pietà, Giovan Bernardo Lama (Naples, 1536-1600 Ca.)

Giovan Bernardo Lama (Naples, 1536-1600 ca.) 

The Pietà  oil on panel 51 x 41 cm. Antique frame (defects and faults) 66 x 56 cm.  

Full details of the work (click HERE)   

Observing the exquisite quality and the elegance of the design of this intense 16th century Pietà, we can compare its execution to the most refined works of late Neapolitan Mannerism: in particular, there are many points of contact with the style of Giovan Bernardo Lama (Naples, 1536-1600 ca.), to whom we can easily attribute its authorship, whose flourishing workshop took up this subject in numerous variations.  

A great exponent of the Italian Renaissance, active mainly in Naples, Lama was inspired by a purely Raphaelesque culture. He trained around 1550 in the workshop of Polidoro da Caravaggio, who had arrived in Naples during the sack of Rome in 1527. 

The arrival of Giorgio Vasari in Naples was also decisive for his painting, thanks to that new language that had already conquered Rome. And it was precisely Vasari and the Tuscan-Roman styles, appropriately filtered by the tearful and compassionate expressionism of Luis de Vargas, that influenced the Lama's first attempts.  

In the painting proposed here, our author has been able to render the moment of Christ's death in an extraordinary way, demonstrating precision, realism and emotional depth in the interpretation of the sacred union between the Madonna and Christ, through a masterful play of contrasts of colours, light and shadow.  

The pietistic and devotional style of Counter-Reformation painting is evident: the representation, of great dramatic effect, shows Christ, after being taken down from the cross, welcomed into the arms of the Virgin. The intense maternal compassion is revealed in the expression on her face which, aware of her son's destiny, exudes suffering, but also calm resignation.  

The work is a version, made for domestic devotion, of the Lama altarpiece sold at Sotheby's New York (25 January 2001) and now in the basilica of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli in Naples (see image in detail), made around the 1560s. URL https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Giovanni_Bernardo_Lama_-_La_Pietà.jpg  

The Pietà in the Church of Saints Severinus and Sosius (https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/1500217826)

 is very similar.  

Great visual impact, solemn composition, strong colours and figures with sculpted features are the characteristic elements of this Michelangelo-style Pietà, which depicts a more incisive moment in the life of Christ.   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

The painting is sold complete with an antique gilded frame that has been repaired, restored and has defects, and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.  

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.  

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you and show you our collection of works.  

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.  

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