Circle of CARLO MARATTA (Camerano, 1625- Rome, 1713).

Circle of CARLO MARATTA (Camerano, 1625- Rome, 1713). "Nativity". Oil on canvas. Relined. Measurements: 66 x 90 cm; 85,5 x 109 cm (frame). For its stylistic characteristics, this work is very close to the Marian paintings of Carlo Maratta: the intense contrast between the background and the flesh tones, from which an inner light seems to emanate, is typical of this painter. Likewise, Mary's humble gesture, with her head lowered, looking at the newborn, is typical of Moratta's young virgins. The seraphim share that mystical glow in their plump countenances. Also known as Carlo Moratti, Carlo Maratta was born in Camerano, then part of the Papal States of Rome, a city to which he traveled in 1636, apparently with Taddeo Barberini's secretary, and became an apprentice in Andrea Sacchi's workshop. At this time his style was close to Sacchi's classicism, more measured and harmonious than Cortona's baroque style and influenced by Carracci, Guercino, Guido Reni, etc. He carried out numerous commissions for Pope Alexander VII (reign 1655-1667) and, from around 1660, his "portfolio of clients" spread throughout Europe and belonging to the upper class, which led to the establishment of the main workshop in Rome after Bernini's death in 1680, when he became the most important artist in the city. In 1664 he became director of the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, further promoting the study of classical antiquity. He produced works that are preserved in Palazzo Altieri, Palazzo Pitti in Florence, in Santa Maria in Vallicella, in the Cybo Chapel of Santa Maria del Popolo, etc. It should also be noted that, in addition to his frequent religious themes, he was highly appreciated as a portraitist, and also for his works on mythological subjects. From the beginning of the 18th century, due to the economic situation, he would dedicate himself above all to the "pictorial restoration" of works by Raphael Sanzio, Carracci, etc. Works by the master are kept in important private collections all over the world, as well as in institutions such as the Prado Museum in Madrid, the National Gallery in London, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, the Getty Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Belgium, etc.