This antique and impressive oil on canvas of big dimension (more that 2 meter high) is an old master altarpiece.

It represents a religious scene with The Virgin Mary, The Holy Baby, Saint Gaetano from Thiene and Putti.

This wonderful painting is signed by Michelangelo Buonocore and dated 1733. The precious intricately carved gilt wood frame is of the same period and it's a one-of-a-kind work of art itself!

This oil on canvas describes a very tender scene, inspired by a S. Gaetano's real-life event. Gaetano from Thiene was one of the most significant Church’s reformers in 16th century and here he is represented with a long black cloth, worn especially by priest, called cassock. He is kneeling while the Blessed Virgin puts the Holy Child in his arms. the Infant Jesus keeps his arms open trough the Saint. One of the cherubs holds the Holy Writ opened on Matth. 33.3. 1. Verses where is written "Servate et Facite ".

The scene was inspired by a real life event. Gaetano wrote a letter to his spiritual confidant, Sister Laura Mignani, telling her that while he was praying in the Nativity chapel in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, the Virgin appeared to him and puts Jesus in his outstretched arms. This vision, which occurred on Christmas Eve of 1517, spurred Gaetano to carrie on his Mission stronger than ever, He is also known as the Holy Providence’s Saint.

Biography of Michelangelo Buonocore

This famous Neapolitan painter, active in early 18th Century, is very well known and valued for his religious subjects and his works of art are exposed in a lot of important churches in Italy. He was a pupil of Paolo de Matteis and Joseph Mastroleo. He painted the Madonna and Santa Rosa once exposed in the church of Gesù Nuovo in Naples. Unfortunately this painting got lost.

A signed and dated Immaculate is exposed at the Museum called “ Opera Pia del Purgatorio ad Arco ” in Naple. Michelangelo Buonocore was very active in Rome, Naples and all-over the middle Italy. Around 1730 he worked for some churches in Aquila (a city in middle Italy). In the National Museum of Abruzzo is exposed The Virgin appearing to St. Dominic,an oil on canvas painted for the church of St. Dominic in Aquila, the paiting, as our, is signed and dated 1733.

Literature: Bolaffi Encyclopedic Dictionary of Italian painters and engravers, Torino 1972, p. 216.U. THIEME - F. BECKER, Künstler-Lexikon, vol.IV, 1910.A. Griseri, Jaquerio realism and Gothic in Piedmont, Turin 1963.

Measures : 91.7 in. height, 71.7 in width Exportation papers already issued by Belle Arti Italian Office.

Ready to be shipped worldwide.