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Get Paintings Reproductions Absalom`s Feast, 1653 by Mattia Preti (1613-1699, Italy) | ArtsDot.com

Absalom's Feast

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The painting Absalom's Feast is a remarkable work of art created by the Italian Baroque painter Mattia Preti in 1653. Measuring 202 x 297 cm, this oil on canvas piece is housed at the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte in Naples, Italy.

Composition and Color Palette

The composition of Absalom's Feast is characterized by a dramatic scene of chaos and betrayal. The central figure, presumably Absalom, is seen with his head resting on the table, conveying defeat and despair. The color palette is dominated by dark tones, creating an atmosphere of tension and foreboding. However, splashes of red draw attention to key elements in the scene, such as Absalom's head on the table and a sword held aloft by one of the figures.

Historical Context

Mattia Preti was a renowned Italian Baroque painter born in Taverna, Italy in 1613. He is famous for his dynamic and dramatic style, which he developed during his time in Rome. Preti's works are characterized by their strong contrasts of light and shadow, vivid colors, and energetic brushstrokes. The painting Absalom's Feast is a prime example of his skillful use of these elements to convey a narrative that is as much about the emotions and motivations of the individuals involved as it is about the historical event itself. Absalom's Feast is a powerful piece of art that invites viewers to delve into its intricate details and ponder the story behind the scene. As a masterpiece of Mattia Preti, it showcases his exceptional skill in capturing the drama and emotion of a moment in time.
The painting's historical context and artistic significance make it a valuable addition to any art collection, and its beauty and complexity continue to inspire and fascinate art lovers to this day.
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Mattia Preti

Mattia Preti, an Italian Baroque artist, was born on February 24, 1613, in Taverna, Calabria. He is known for his exquisite works of art that adorned the walls of various churches and cathedrals in Italy and Malta. Mattia Preti was also a member of the Order of Saint John, which earned him the title "Il Cavalier Calabrese" (the Calabrian Knight).

Early Life and Training

Mattia Preti's early apprenticeship was with Giovanni Battista Caracciolo, a "Caravaggist" painter. This training had a significant impact on his style, which is evident in his works. Before 1630, Preti joined his brother Gregorio Preti in Rome, where he became familiar with the techniques of Caravaggio and other prominent artists of that time.

Notable Works and Commissions

Some of Mattia Preti's notable works include fresco cycles in the churches of Sant'Andrea della Valle and San Carlo ai Catinari. He also painted frescoes for the church of San Biagio at Modena. In Naples, he was influenced by another prominent painter, Luca Giordano. One of his masterpieces is a series of large frescoes depicting the Virgin or saints delivering people from the plague. Key aspects of Mattia Preti's style:
  • Use of dramatic contrasts of light and shadow
  • Intense emotional expression
  • Dynamic compositions

Legacy and Later Life

Mattia Preti spent most of his life in Malta, where he transformed the interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta with a huge series of paintings on the life and martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. His increased reputation led to an expanded circle of patrons, and he received commissions from all over Europe. To explore more of Mattia Preti's works, visit WahooArt's collection of Mattia Preti's paintings. For a deeper understanding of his style and period, refer to Wikipedia's article on Mattia Preti. Some of his notable works can also be found in the Capodimonte Museum in Naples.

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