Artist: Attributed to CORRADO GIAQUINTO (Italy, 1703 - 1765/66)
Title: San Isidro the Farmer
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 52.5 x 34 cm
Condition Report: Relined, presents faults and repainting, requires cleaning
Provenance: Setdart Auction House

Description:
This painting, attributed to the esteemed Italian Rococo artist Corrado Giaquinto, depicts the apotheosis of San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers in Spain. The work closely follows the models established by Giaquinto in his famous fresco for the chapel of the Royal Palace of Madrid, created between 1759 and 1760. The composition also bears a strong resemblance to other works on the same theme, such as the one in the Museo de San Isidro in Madrid and the fresco sketch in the Casita del Príncipe in El Escorial.

The apotheosis of San Isidro, an iconographic theme that was rare before Giaquinto's time, became a significant subject in the 18th century. The painting portrays San Isidro in a dynamic and theatrical manner, characteristic of Giaquinto's Rococo style, with vibrant colors and elegant compositions. The saint is shown in a moment of divine elevation, surrounded by clouds and heavenly figures, reflecting his holy status and the miracles attributed to him, such as the angelic assistance in plowing fields and the miraculous rescue of his son from a well.

Giaquinto, appointed painter to Ferdinand VI of Spain and artistic director of the Royal Tapestry Factory of Santa Barbara, was a pivotal figure in bringing the Rococo style to Spain. His work blends the decorative elegance of Rococo with the spatial clarity and classical influences of Baroque, as evident in this painting. The use of deep space, dramatic cloud formations, and lively gestures of the figures showcases Giaquinto's mastery of scenography and chromatic subtleties.

This piece, while needing some restoration, is a beautiful example of Giaquinto's impact on religious and court art in Spain and his role in shaping the Rococo movement.