Master caravaggista; XVII century.

CARAVAGGISTA MASTER; XVII century.
"Christ and Nicodemus".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 86,5 x 121 cm; 100 x 136,5 cm (frame).
In a landscape format the artist shows us the protagonists in the foreground, although the figure of Jesus stands out when using a red cloak whose expressiveness and symbolism anticipates the destiny of both men, in fact Jesus approaches the right hand towards Nicodemus who looks at him suspiciously, as requiring his help that will be provided in the most crucial moments of the life of Christ. The author anecdotally introduces numerous details that enrich the scene, such as the jewels and furs worn by Nicodemus and the still life of books that indicate that this is a man highly positioned in society for his work as a wise man. Technically, the author resorts to a composition of long tradition as a frieze, which allows to focus the attention on details such as the verism of the hands or the faces, in particular that of Nicodemus.
Stylistically, the work shows a clear influence of Caravaggio and the followers of his style: theatrical use of a powerful spotlight, combination of this strong illumination with areas in darkness, use of diagonals, use of models inspired by the common people (although without the extraordinary realism of the Italian master in the present work because there is a greater degree of idealization in the faces), etc. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known as Caravaggio, was an Italian painter, active in Rome, Naples, Malta and Sicily between 1593 and 1610. His painting combines a realistic observation of the human figure, both physical and emotional, with a dramatic use of light, which exerted a decisive influence on the formation of Baroque painting. Caravaggio depicted close anatomical observation with a dramatic use of chiaroscuro that would come to be known as tenebrism. This technique became a dominant stylistic element, darkening shadows and transfiguring objects into brilliant beams of light. He vividly expressed crucial moments and scenes, often involving violent struggles, torture and death. He worked quickly with models from life, dispensing with sketches to work directly on canvas. His influence was profound in the new Baroque style that emerged from Mannerism and can be traced in the works of great masters such as Pedro Pablo Rubens, José de Ribera, Rembrandt and Diego Velázquez, as well as in countless artists of the following generation, who because they manifested his profound influence were called "Caravaggists" or "Tenebrists".