Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610–1662), a pupil of Pietro da Cortona in Rome, quickly became one of his chief collaborators, in the service of Pope Urban VIII. From 1635 on, he declared his independence, both professionally and stylistically. While rediscovering the work of Raphael († 1520), he followed the progress of Guido Reni († 1642) toward a harmonious synthesis of the Renaissance, Baroque, and classical styles, above all seeking simplicity and favoring the sumptuous yet fresh colors that made his reputation. The work that adorns the cover of this April issue of Magnificat, painted in 1640, is a perfect illustration of this.
Clothed in a biblical blue tunic
On Easter morning, Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved, informed by Mary Magdalene that the Lord’s body has been removed from the tomb, run to the tomb; they have just entered it (Jn 20:1-10). Peter, who arrived second but was the first to enter, is depicted with the fine head of a mature man. He is clothed in a luminous …More