Saints Presenting a Devout Woman to the Virgin and Child
Giambattista Pittoni·1720s
Historical Context
Giovanni Battista Pittoni was one of the leading Venetian painters of the early eighteenth century, known for his altarpieces and mythological subjects that combined the Venetian coloristic tradition with the decorative lightness of the Rococo. This painting of saints presenting a devout woman to the Virgin and Child from the 1720s exemplifies the votive painting tradition where donors are shown being presented by their patron saints.
Technical Analysis
The oil on canvas displays Pittoni's characteristically luminous palette and fluid brushwork with warm Venetian coloring. The dynamic, spiraling composition and airy spaciousness demonstrate his contribution to the Venetian Rococo.
Provenance
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio; (Newhouse Galleries, New York, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art); Baron André Descamps, Brussels, possibly consigned to Newhouse Galleries; (Galerie Fievez, Brussels, sale, June 23-24, 1941, no. 232; (Galerie Georges Giroux, Brussels, Broerman sale, March 21, 1927, lot 24, as Giambattista Tiepolo); Eugene Broerman [1860-1930], Brussels, consigned to Galerie Georges Giroux; Piccoli collection, Venice; Possibly a palace chapel, Belluno, Italy
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