#09751 Bernardo Strozzi (1581-1644)

The painting presents a seated female figure, seemingly poised between earthly and celestial realms. She is depicted with large, feathered wings extending from her back, immediately suggesting a connection to the divine or supernatural. Her expression is one of quiet contemplation, bordering on melancholy; the gaze directed towards the viewer holds an ambiguity that resists easy interpretation.
The artist has employed a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, utilizing strong contrasts between light and shadow to emphasize certain features while obscuring others. The figure’s face and upper torso are bathed in a warm, golden light, drawing attention to her delicate features and elaborate costume. This is juxtaposed against the darker background and shadowed areas of her lower body, creating a sense of depth and mystery.
Her attire is noteworthy. She wears a richly colored red bodice over a white blouse, layered with a flowing yellow robe that drapes around her form. The combination of these colors – red for passion or sacrifice, white for purity, and yellow for divinity – contributes to the complexity of her symbolic representation. Her bare feet rest upon what appears to be a rocky surface, grounding her in a tangible world despite her ethereal qualities.
She holds a long trumpet in each hand, one positioned vertically alongside her body and the other extended outwards. The trumpets themselves are rendered with meticulous detail, their polished surfaces reflecting the light. Their presence suggests an announcement or proclamation – a heraldic role that further reinforces her connection to a higher power. Scattered around her feet are what appear to be fallen leaves or petals, hinting at themes of transience and decay, perhaps suggesting a cycle of renewal or a lament for lost beauty.
The composition is carefully balanced, with the figure occupying a central position within the frame. The dark background serves to isolate her, intensifying the focus on her individual presence and the symbolic weight she carries. Overall, the painting evokes a sense of solemnity and introspection, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, mortality, and the interplay between the earthly and the divine.