Circumcision of Christ by Cesare Nebbia
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An incredible Mannerist painting of the circumcision of Christ by Cesare Nebbia
Key Features
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- An incredibly vivid oil painting by Italian High Renaissance Mannerist Cesare Nebbia
- Nebbia was an important artist of the later Renaissance period
- His works were commissioned by special patrons throughout Italy
- This is the only known easel painting by this artist, who usually executed frescos
- Oil on silvered copper; 16th-17th Century
- Copper: 22 3/4" high x 17 3/4" wide; Frame: 30 1/2" high x 25 1/8" wide
Item Details
- Width:
C: 17 3/4 F: 25 1/8 Inches - Height:
C: 22 3/4 F: 30 1/2 Inches - Period:
Renaissance - Origin:
Other Europe - Subject:
Religious - Artist:
Other
Cesare Nebbia
c.1536-c. 1614 · Italian
Circumcision of Christ, with Saints, Prophets and Angels
Oil on silvered copper
An incredibly rare painting by Italian Mannerist Cesare Nebbia, one of the principal artist of the High Renaissance. Revered for his extensive frescos, this is believed to be one of the very few easel works the artist ever completed, and is the only one of its kind known to exist.
The work is a depiction of the Circumcision of the Christ child, rendered with an incredibly vivid color palette and unique perspective that distinguish its Mannerist styling. Christ is seen surrounded by saints, Old Testament prophets and angels, which signals the likelihood that Nebbia created this work for a patron with very exact specifications for the painting. The symbol of the Christogram "IHC" in the heavens surrounded by cherubim and the nails of the passion further distinguish this exquisite masterpiece as a special commission piece. In addition, the medium onto which the painting is made, silver over copper, is quite unique. Not only would the copper have been costly to buy, it gives the work an almost glowing quality, emphasizing the religious significance of the event it portrays.
Cesare Nebbia of Orvieto was one of the most famed artists of the Italian High Renaissance, as evidenced by the sheer number of commissions he executed for the Church. Throughout his career, his skills were called upon to create fantastic frescos to adorn numerous palazzos and cathedrals, including St. Peter's Basilica and several galleries in the Vatican. He received commissions from all three popes that reigned during his lifetime-a true testament to Nebbia's remarkable skill as a religious artist.
Copper: 22 3/4" high x 17 3/4" wide
Frame: 30 1/2" high x 25 1/8" wide
c.1536-c. 1614 · Italian
Circumcision of Christ, with Saints, Prophets and Angels
Oil on silvered copper
An incredibly rare painting by Italian Mannerist Cesare Nebbia, one of the principal artist of the High Renaissance. Revered for his extensive frescos, this is believed to be one of the very few easel works the artist ever completed, and is the only one of its kind known to exist.
The work is a depiction of the Circumcision of the Christ child, rendered with an incredibly vivid color palette and unique perspective that distinguish its Mannerist styling. Christ is seen surrounded by saints, Old Testament prophets and angels, which signals the likelihood that Nebbia created this work for a patron with very exact specifications for the painting. The symbol of the Christogram "IHC" in the heavens surrounded by cherubim and the nails of the passion further distinguish this exquisite masterpiece as a special commission piece. In addition, the medium onto which the painting is made, silver over copper, is quite unique. Not only would the copper have been costly to buy, it gives the work an almost glowing quality, emphasizing the religious significance of the event it portrays.
Cesare Nebbia of Orvieto was one of the most famed artists of the Italian High Renaissance, as evidenced by the sheer number of commissions he executed for the Church. Throughout his career, his skills were called upon to create fantastic frescos to adorn numerous palazzos and cathedrals, including St. Peter's Basilica and several galleries in the Vatican. He received commissions from all three popes that reigned during his lifetime-a true testament to Nebbia's remarkable skill as a religious artist.
Copper: 22 3/4" high x 17 3/4" wide
Frame: 30 1/2" high x 25 1/8" wide
