Piete den baut Carlo Bertocci

The composition presents a young boy in a posture of apparent supplication. He kneels before a wooden chair, his hands clasped tightly in front of him, head bowed downwards. The figure is positioned against a backdrop of dense foliage rendered in muted greens and yellows, creating an atmosphere that feels both enclosed and somewhat oppressive.
A citrus tree, laden with fruit, occupies the left foreground, contained within a terracotta pot. Several smaller pots are clustered around the base of the chair, adding to the sense of confinement and deliberate arrangement. A single blue sphere rests near the larger pot, its color providing a stark contrast against the earthy tones dominating the scene.
Attached to the back of the chair is a small photograph depicting what appears to be a theatrical performance – figures in elaborate costumes are visible, suggesting a world beyond the immediate setting. To the right of the chair, a brass instrument, possibly a trumpet or cornet, lies on its side, seemingly discarded. The boy wears a curious headpiece adorned with leaves and flowers, further contributing to the painting’s enigmatic quality.
The subtexts within this work are layered and open to interpretation. The kneeling posture suggests humility, repentance, or perhaps a plea for intervention. However, the presence of the citrus tree – often associated with abundance and prosperity – introduces an element of irony. Is the boy seeking something he already possesses? The photograph affixed to the chair hints at a longing for spectacle, performance, or escape from the immediate reality. The discarded instrument could symbolize lost ambition, unrealized potential, or a rejection of conventional paths.
The overall effect is one of quiet introspection and restrained melancholy. The deliberate placement of objects – the tree, the pots, the photograph, the instrument – suggests a carefully constructed narrative, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of faith, desire, and the complexities of human experience. The boy’s posture and expression convey a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, leaving the viewer to ponder the nature of his request and the circumstances that have led him to this moment of apparent supplication.