Lot 73: Giuseppe Marchesi , Bologna 1699 - 1771 The Raising of Jairus' Daughter oil on canvas

oil on canvas

measurements note 62 1/4 by 40 1/4 in.; 158.1 by 102.2 cm.

A faithful adherent to the tenets of Bolognese classicism, Giuseppe Marchesi nevertheless combined his solidly modeled forms (inherited from his masters Aurelio Milani and Marcantonio Franceschini) with a rich and rococo palette (under the influence of Donato Creti). Although firm biographical information for the artist is somewhat scant, his appearance must have been impressive; he was given the sobriquet "Sansone" or "Sampson" apparently because of his imposing physique.υ1 His earliest datable independent work is the remarkable, large canvas of the Abduction of Helen painted in 1725 for the Casa Mentasti, Bologna (in situ), which despite his youth, displays the artist's full command of elaborate, multifigural composition. The present rediscovered work would appear to date from the 1730's, when Marchesi was at the height of his creative powers. He was producing works for ecclesiastical patrons throughout the north of Italy, even painting frescoes for the oratory of Santa Maria di Galliera (1730-44), undoubtedly his most publicly conspicuous work. However, commissions from private collectors were also numerous, and Marchesi produced paintings of great variety and differing themes during these years. The composition of this Raising of Jairus' Daughter suggests a dating from this moment. The lingering influences of Francesichini can be seen (for example in the elegantly posed figure of Christ at the left of the composition). The kneeling female servant at lower right, amazed a the miracle taking place, is reminiscent in handling and facial type to the similarly placed figure of Judith's servant in the Judith and Holofernes by Marchesi in the Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna (inv.7067), which has been dated to circa 1730. 1. For a more full discussion of Marchesi and his career, please see R. Roli, "Per la pittura del Setttecento a Bologna: Giuseppe Marchesi," in Paragone, vol. 22, n. 261, November 1971, pp. 15-30.