By DomQuartier Salzburg | Residenzgalerie Salzburg
Meisterwerke. Residenzgalerie Salzburg. 2015
Italian Baroque
The development of painting around 1600 was determined by the realism of Caravaggio (1571–1610) and the academism of the Carracci family, who strove for beauty and proportion. In the 17th and 18th centuries, nearly all notable Italian and foreign artists went to study in Rome. Other centres of art were Naples, Genoa, Bologna and Venice.
Tap to explore
Bathseba Bathing by Solimena Francesco (1657–1747)DomQuartier Salzburg | Residenzgalerie Salzburg
Surrounded by her attendants, Bathsheba applies herself to her toilet.
King David has stepped on to the balcony and catches sight of the young woman. Dazzled by her beauty, he falls passionately in love with her.
The play of light and shade lends vitality to the animated figures. The fabrics are artistically draped.
The composition reveals a spacious architectural landscape, making the scene appear like a stage-set.
The last great Neapolitan baroque painter and pioneer of Neapolitan Rococo, Solimena demonstrates here his decorative theatrical style.
The Invention of the Cross by Empress Helen by Ricci Sebastiano (1659–1734)DomQuartier Salzburg | Residenzgalerie Salzburg
On a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovers the Cross on which Christ died. With a beatific expression, she lays her hand on the Cross.
With the help of the newly-discovered Cross, a dead man has been brought back to life. The shroud is still draped around him as he kneels before the Cross, raising his hands in prayer.
In the celestial sphere, angels show the arma Christi – the instruments of the Passion: lance, nails and crown of thorns.
Resurrection by Giordano Luca (1632–1705)DomQuartier Salzburg | Residenzgalerie Salzburg
Various figures are discernible in the darkness of the lower half of the picture. These are soldiers keeping watch beside the coffin of Christ. Some of them are sound asleep ...
... but others have been startled by something. The bright reflections on the armour indicate the cause.
The source of the light is Christ Himself, rising powerfully heavenwards. The light breaks through the swirling mass of clouds, enveloping the body.
