Lot 66: Giovanni Bernardino Azzolino , Cefalù, Sicily circa 1572 - 1645 Naples The Ascension oil on canvas

oil on canvas

measurements note 95 1/2 by 62 1/2 in.; 242.5 by 158.8 cm.

The Fundacion Gabriel d'Annunzio;
By whom sold, New York, Christie's, October 7, 1993, lot 82.

Azzolino, a native of Sicily, was trained as both a painter and sculptor. He is recorded in Naples from 1594 where he received commissions for the decoration of numerous local churches. Though surely aware of the innovative work of Caravaggio and other artists in his circle, such as Jusepe de Ribera (who married Azzolino's daughter), his style was more strongly influenced by such contemporary Neapolitan artists as Belisario Corenzio and, particularly, Fabrizio Santafede. This impressive altarpiece is closest in style to another work by Azzolino, the Madonna and Child with Saints, of circa 1610, in the church of Gesù Nuovo, Naples. The figures of the two apostles in the foreground and the one at far right are similar to those in the Pentecost in the church of S. Francesco at Caiazzo, near Caserta, his only signed work.