Lot 1111 Dα

The true quality of this work could only recently be ascertained and evaluated following the cleaning of the heavily soiled surface. Following the restoration, Nicola Spinosa attributed it directly to Francesco Solimena, dating it to the time around 1710. He will be including the work in his forthcoming catalogue raisonné, which is to be published in 2017. He describes the work as a copy by the artist of a slightly larger painting which was exhibited in Galerie Heim in 1976 and published by Spinosa in 1993 (op. cit. p. 107, no. 25).
Francesco Solimena was one of the most important Baroque painters in Naples. He was taught by his father Angelo Solimena in their home town of Canale di Serino. He moved to Naples in 1674, where he quickly developed his own unique and influential style. His works were inspired both by the Neapolitan tradition of chiaroscuro painting and the lighter, more classical manner of Carlo Maratta and his school. Solimena's significance can be measured based on the amount of commissions he received from patrons throughout Northern Europe. These included Emperor Charles VI, Prince Joseph Wenzel of Liechtenstein, the Prince Elector of Mainz Lothar Franz von Schönborn, and Prince Eugene.
This large depiction of “The Nativity with Angels“ can be dated to around 1710, a period in which Solimena orientated himself more towards the Roman school of Maratta and the more classical Bolognese school. This can be seen in the harmonious composition, balanced use of light, and the clear contours of the drawing. The new born baby Jesus in the manger forms the centre of the image. Mary is shown carefully covering him with a blanket whilst two angels kneel before him in adoration. Two putti sprinkle blossoms from the right, forming a compositional balance to the Virgin. Joseph is depicted behind Mary, wearing a large yellow cloak and frozen in a gesture of reverence. The upper right corner of the work opens up onto the simultaneously occurring scene of the annunciation to the shepherds.
We would like to thank Nicola Spinosa in Naples for confirming the authenticity of this piece. Prof. Spinosa will be including it as an authentic work in his forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist (includes written confirmation).