Major Masterpieces: Mattia Preti to Paul Gauguin

4

Alessio D'Elia
(San Cipriano Picentino, 1718 - 1770)
Attributed to

Adoration of the Shepherds

Oil painting on canvas
66.5x127cm

"Oil painting on canvas, attributed to the painter Alessio D'Elia by art historian Nicola Spinosa. Previously from Casa d'Aste Finarte and the Minerva Auction.


According to the catalog of Minerva Auctions, the painting is thought to have been created in the mid-eighteenth century, in the artistic style of master Francesco de Mura. D'Elia was a highly sought-after artist, known for creating frescoes for important ecclesiastical commissions. His canvases can be found in many Roman and Neapolitan churches.


One of the distinctive characteristics of D'Elia's style is his compositional mastery and knowledge of scenography, which is particularly evident in this painting. Compared to the style of his master, subtle differences can be seen, such as the joyful and popular vein present in the chubby faces, small mouths of the shepherd children, and airy dynamic background, which softens the otherwise more classical influences.


The successful composition of the painting reveals a choral harmony inspired by the grandiose synergy of the multitude of figures and elements, all defined even in the smallest of details. Along the amplified diagonal of the majestic figure of a woman with a draped back, unfolds a joyful procession of cherubs, young girls and shepherds who converge towards the Holy Family, arranged on a symbolic pedestal of ancient Roman ruins, on whose steps the Eucharistic lamb gently rests, incarnation of Meekness and Innocence.


The pictorial gesture is high and natural, devoid of jamming and hardness, so safe and expressive as to make the work look like it was painted in fresco. According to the spirit of the most mature Neapolitan rococo, the figures of angels hover, clear and ethereal, in a harmonious triumph."

€ 10.000,00
Starting price
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