Lorenzo Sabatini

(Bologna circa 1530–1576 Rome)
Madonna Immaculata and Child,
oil on canvas, 39.5 x 31.5 cm, framed
Provenance:
Galleria Bertogalli, Parma, in 2005;
where acquired by the present owner

We are grateful to Antonio Crispo for confirming the attribution of the present painting.

The present painting reflects the core characteristics of Sabatini’s production, determined by the Emilian Mannerism of Parmigianino together with the Tuscan-Roman plasticity derived from Vasari. The Madonna, dressed in billowing and voluptuous cloths, is seated on a crescent moon, floating on clouds, as she holds the Christ Child on her lap. Both figures are modelled with fine brush strokes. The composition is characterised by gracefully, elongated forms, together with warm light and pastel colours.

The early artistic education of Lorenzo Sabatini is closely linked to Bologna, where, he trained under and collaborated with Prospero Fontana, and came under the stylistic influence of Nicolò dell’Abate and the Tibaldi family. In 1565 Sabatini was elected member at the Accademia del Disegno in Florence. In the same year he was commissioned to paint the six Virtues for the Ricetto in the Palazzo Vecchio which were executed in a style clearly revealing the artist’s indebtedness to the influence of Giorgio Vasari. Less than a year later, he took part in the preparations for the decorative scheme for the wedding of Francesco I Medici and Johanna of Austria and by 1573, Sabatini’s reputation had risen sufficiently for him to be invited to Rome by Pope Gregory XIII. There he assisted Vasari in the execution of the frescoes depicting the Battle of Lepanto for the Sala Regia in the Vatican.
Specialist: Mark MacDonnell