Psychostasy Archangel Michael Giordano 17th Century Paint Oil On Canvas Italy1670 1720
Riva del Garda, Italy
£4,972 per item
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Item details
Height
73.0 cm
Width
61.0 cm
Depth
0.01 cm
Wear conditions
Good
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Description
Luca Giordano (Naples, 1634 - 1705) workshop of
Psychostasy of the Archangel Michael, or the Weighing of Souls
(probable preparatory sketch)
Oil on canvas
58 x 43 cm.
Framed 73 x 61 cm.
The subject of this fascinating canvas is taken from the Last Judgement, an extremely rare and particularly popular theme in painting as it allowed for contorted poses, convulsive and sudden movements, pathos and drama in compositions animated by sumptuous theatricality.
In particular, here we see psychostasy, or the weighing of souls by the fighting St Michael: the Archangel is depicted in his armour with wings outstretched, his right arm outstretched to hold a pole from which hangs a scale, which he will use to assess the merits of the souls examined.
This Christian tradition derives from the ancient Egyptian religion, where the dead were subjected to a weighing of the heart by the God Anubis before being allowed to enter the afterlife: if the response was in favour, Osiris welcomed the soul, defined as pure, into the ‘Fields of Rushes.
On the basis of the book of Revelation, he therefore had the power to sift souls before the Last Judgement: we see one picked up by an angel to be taken to heaven, with God the Father and Christ at the top welcoming the chosen souls into Paradise.
While for the elect there will be the ascent into heaven, for the damned the fall into hell, where the figures writhe as they fall into the flames.
The structure of the painting clearly indicates that we are dealing with a valuable preparatory sketch, presumably a study for a fresco or larger altarpiece; this suggests that the final work was intended for the decoration of the bay of a church or private chapel.
It is a work that reflects the characteristics of the Neapolitan school in the late 17th and early 18th century: the warm and luminous colours, the clear and soft colour range and the fast but precise brushstrokes are elements that lead us, in particular, to the production of Luca Giordano and the large group of his pupils.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work sold is completed by an attractive gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to view the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.
Condition report:
Good
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Free collection available
Yes
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- Ships from Riva del Garda, Italy
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 24th March 2025
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