The Virgin Interceding for the Souls in Purgatory Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734)

Here we observe a complex composition centered around a devotional theme, likely concerning intercession and salvation. The scene unfolds across distinct registers, creating a visual hierarchy that emphasizes spiritual ascent.
The lower portion is dominated by a fiery landscape, suggestive of torment or purification. Figures are depicted in postures of anguish, their bodies contorted amidst swirling smoke and flames. Their expressions convey suffering and despair, establishing a palpable sense of earthly hardship. The artist has employed a warm, intense palette here – predominantly reds, oranges, and browns – to amplify the feeling of heat and distress.
Above this realm of suffering, a rocky outcrop serves as a transitional space. Several small, winged figures – putti – are positioned on this ledge, their gestures appearing both pleading and expectant. They seem to be intermediaries between the earthly pain below and the heavenly grace above. A figure in armor stands prominently on this rock, holding aloft a white banner. His posture suggests a role of protection or advocacy, perhaps representing military virtue or divine justice.
The upper portion of the composition is occupied by a celestial sphere. Here we see a central female figure, adorned with regal garments and surrounded by a retinue of angels. She holds an infant, likely symbolizing Christ, and extends her arms in a gesture of supplication or intercession. The light emanating from this area is softer and more diffused than the harsh illumination below, creating a visual contrast that reinforces the separation between earthly suffering and divine comfort. A halo surrounds the central figure, solidifying her status as an elevated spiritual entity.
The overall composition suggests a narrative of redemption – the depiction of souls trapped in a state of purgatory being aided by divine intervention. The artist’s use of light and shadow, color and gesture, contributes to a dramatic portrayal of this theological concept. The placement of the putti and the armored figure introduces elements that complicate the straightforward representation of salvation, hinting at the roles of human agency and angelic mediation in the process of spiritual purification. The banner held by the armored figure could be interpreted as a symbol of faith or divine authority, further emphasizing the theme of intercession and hope amidst suffering.