The Resurrection
Cecco del Caravaggio·c. 1619-20
Historical Context
Cecco del Caravaggio painted The Resurrection around 1619-20, one of the most powerful works by this enigmatic Caravaggist painter. Identified by some scholars as Francesco Boneri, Cecco was likely a model and studio assistant of Caravaggio before developing his own distinctive style. His paintings push Caravaggesque realism to extremes, with unflinching naturalism and bold, almost confrontational compositions that distinguish him from other followers of the master.
Technical Analysis
Cecco's oil on canvas demonstrates his characteristically bold approach to Caravaggesque lighting and naturalistic figure painting. The harsh, raking light and the unidealized, muscular Christ create a visceral impact that pushes beyond Caravaggio's own approach to sacred subjects.
Provenance
Commissioned by Piero Guicciardini, Rome, 1619 [according to mandates relating to payments for the decoration of the family chapel in Santa Felicita in Florence, published in Corti 1989 p. 130]; rejected upon completion and sold in Rome [this and the following according to the Oct. 18, 1620 entry of chapel expense account, cited in published in Corti 1989 p. 137, “…et sono per essermi accollato la terza tavola già fatta per mano di Francesco del Caravaggio et dàtola via, non havendo hauto sodisfatione d’essa.” See also Papi 2001.]. Cardinal Scipione Borghese, Rome, about 1620 [Borghese inventory, published in Corradini 1998]. Giorgio Sangiorgi (1886-1965), Rome [this and the following according to the Brummer Gallery inventory cards, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York]; sold to the Brummer Gallery, New York, Aug. 19, 1931 as by Horatio Gentileschi for $2,400; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, Oct. 29, 1934 as by Horatio Gentileschi.
