Italian Painter, 19th Century (Copy of Raffaello Sanzio), Theology and Poetry, Italian Painter, 19th Century (Copy of Raffaello Sanzio), Theology and Poetry

162 x 162 cm

The pair of paintings is a faithful copy of Raphael's work on the vault of the Chamber of Signatures, in the Vatican, where he depicted four medallions with personifications of the sciences and arts. The female figures are flanked by cherubs and sit on clouds, in reference to their celestial, or spiritual dimension. Their belonging to the sphere of ideas is also indicated by the golden background, associated with divine light, and the higher world.
The generic and idealized features of these figures underline their abstract nature, but each of them displays a different temperament thanks to different combinations of colors, and differences in movement. The effect of spontaneity of movements and attitudes makes these allegories far from the traditional rigidity of the sign; they seem lively and light.
Our paintings depict poetry and theology. The poem is depicted as a woman wreathed in laurel and with outstretched wings, referring to the freedom of the imagination. She is wearing a white dress, with a green cloak draped over her hips and resting on her lap. She is sitting on the clouds. She is pink, and has a dynamic and theatrical pose; her body is turned, her legs are crossed, arms outstretched. He rests his left arm on an ancient marble head, and holds a lyre. He supports a book with his outstretched right arm. It is flanked on the sides by two naked and winged cherubs, who support two signs with the inscription: 'NUMINE AFFLATUR' referring to creative energy and the rush of inspiration.
The Tondo with Theology, or Science of Divinity ("Divinarun rerum notitia") shows a female figure with a flowing white veil, a red dress and a green mantle; colors full of meaning. They are actually associated with the theological virtues: Faith (white), Hope (green) and Love (red). The color symbolism also seems to be related to the elements: Water (green), Air (white) and Fire (red).
On the left he holds a book of theology, and on the right he points to a scene painted on the wall with the inscription, “Controversy about the Sacrament.” She is flanked by two winged cherubs in short, and very dynamic white tunics, in a dancing pose.
162 x 162 cm
Oil on canvas