An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Trinity with Souls in Purgatoryearly 1740s
Artist: Corrado Giaquinto
Italian (active Naples, Rome and Spain), 1703 - 1766
Holy Trinity and Purgatory
39 x 29 1/8 in. (99.06 x 73.98 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
18th century
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fund
In the quiet embrace of the gallery, a striking scene soars before our eyes—a depiction of the Trinity that captures both wonder and sorrow. At the apex of this resplendent vision, the divine trio unfolds: God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the latter illustrated as a pure white dove soaring across the canvas, suggesting serenity amidst chaos.
Beneath this celestial light lies a darker realm, where souls linger in purgatory. These figures, naked and anguished, are shrouded in partial darkness, embodying the struggle of redemption. The faint light that breaks through the gloom falls gently upon some of them, a beacon of hope and a promise of salvation. The Father, with a gesture that radiates compassion, seems to reach out, hinting at their eventual liberation from despair.
This stunning piece is the work of Corrado Giaquinto, an eminent champion of the Italian Baroque style. While he dedicated his talents to numerous interpretations of the Trinity, this particular canvas is singular in its inclusion of purgatory. Painted during his time in Rome, each stroke resonates with reverence and profound understanding. The figure of the dead Christ reveals Giaquinto's meticulous study of Michelangelo’s iconic Pietà, a blend of pain and grace that captivates the heart.
Thanks to the generosity of Paula Vesely and the Art Champions program, this poignant work has undergone careful conservation, breathing new life into its vibrant hues and delicate forms. Framing this visual narrative is an exquisite Italian 16th-century frame, a gift from the Douglas and Mary Olson Frame Acquisition Fund, enhancing the beauty of the story contained within.
As we stand before this artwork, the stillness in the air invites reflection. We are reminded of the delicate balance between light and darkness, between anguish and redemption—a timeless tale that resonates within each of us.
About the artist
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