Item Details:

FIDELITY AND ETERNITY

ANGELO MARIA CRIVELLI

LATE 17th - EARLY 18th CENTURY

Oil Painting on Canvas

Size: 13.0 x 11.75 in; 33.02 x 29.85 cm

Early 18th century, Old Master painting, circa 1700/1720. Oil on relined canvas. An initially enigmatic, but ultimately deeply religious painting, where symbolic references to Christ abound. Two dogs (infinitely loyal steadfast, and they’re loving kindness, hence the name, Fido, Latin for fidelity), stand guard to the central figure Peacock, the symbol of both the resurrection and immortality, and as such, linked directly to Christ. The rabbit, being a symbol of love and faith in several religions, also represents fertility and renewal (another reference to the resurrection, hence the more secular bunny at Easter). This also portrayed in the foreground in the opened fruit (Saint Augustine saw the walnut as a symbol of Christ, with the shell as the wood of the cross, and the kernel as the life-giving nature of Christ). Finally, the single white rose, which holds great significance for Christians, represents the purity of the Virgin Mary - it’s five petals identified with the five wounds of Christ, also represents heavenliness, and is an expression of spiritual, love and respect. unframed size: 30 x 33 cm (11.8 x 13”). Framed size: 49.5 x 52 cm (19.5 x 20.5 inches. Very good condition. Newer frame.