Preti, Mattia (Italian, 1613-99) 1 The Italian artists

Here we see a composition dominated by upward movement and contrasting registers of human experience. The artist has structured the scene around a central axis that leads the eye towards a celestial realm populated by angelic figures. These beings are bathed in radiant light, suggesting divine intervention or revelation. Their gestures – one extending a welcoming hand – imply an invitation or bestowal of grace upon those below.

The lower portion of the painting is occupied by a group of human figures arranged in varying degrees of reverence and suffering. A central figure, clad in dark robes, appears to be leading a prayer or offering supplication. His posture and gaze are directed upwards, mirroring the directionality established by the angelic presence. Surrounding him are individuals exhibiting a range of emotional responses: intense piety, despair, and what seems like profound anguish. The man prostrate at the bottom left is particularly striking; his exposed torso and disheveled appearance convey vulnerability and suffering, while his upward gaze suggests a desperate plea for salvation or understanding.

The inclusion of symbolic elements further enriches the narrative. A skull rests near the prostrated figure, serving as a memento mori, a reminder of mortality and the transience of earthly existence. The contrast between this symbol of decay and the ethereal beauty of the celestial figures underscores the painting’s thematic concerns – the relationship between human suffering and divine grace, the fleeting nature of life, and the promise of transcendence.

The artists use of light is crucial to the works impact. A dramatic chiaroscuro effect highlights key figures and amplifies the sense of spiritual drama. The bright illumination focused on the angelic realm contrasts sharply with the shadows that envelop the human figures below, creating a visual hierarchy that reinforces the painting’s message about the divide between the earthly and the divine. The overall impression is one of profound emotional intensity and spiritual yearning.