29 - Giovanni Ricca (1603–1656), attributed to

Giovanni Ricca (1603–1656), attributed to Blessing Infant Jesus with a cruciform halo Dimensions: 76 x 98 cm 100 x 124 cm, old frame c. 1640, Below is the opinion of Prof. Stefano Causa The canvas deserves prompt cleaning to restore it to optimal condition for viewing; it is a remarkable work and can be attributed to the Neapolitan school of the second quarter of the 17th century. Stylistically, the painting shows marked affinities with the style of Giovanni Ricca, who, along with the Dutch painter Hendrick Van Somer, should be considered one of the most intelligent and independent followers of Ribera. On closer inspection, our painting is, stylistically, a sort of link between this supreme Spanish master, who would remain at the forefront until 1652, and Francesco Guarino himself, who died prematurely a year earlier. We are now in the upper echelons of the local art scene around the mid-century; it is difficult to be more precise, although everything suggests that this bedhead dates to the 1640s, the era of the altarpieces at Santa Maria della Sapienza in Naples or the signed one at Santa Maria del Sepolcro in Potenza. Prof. Stefano Causa Shipping within Italy: €90 EU: €190