Lot Details

Description

Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari copy after

Rome 1654 – Rome 1727

Saint Peter Guiding the Ship of the Church

Olio on canvas

in 66,50x48,60

Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari (Rome, 1654 – 1727), "Saint Peter Guides the Ship of the Church", is a theological-political allegory representing the Church as a vessel navigating through the storms of the world, steered by Saint Peter, the first pope and the foundation of the Catholic Church. The work is richly composed, with a central scene dominated by a large boat on a stormy sea, symbolizing the Church in the world. The vessel is filled with allegorical and religious figures, each bearing a precise meaning.
Saint Peter, recognizable by the golden key (symbol of his spiritual authority), sits at the bow and firmly holds the ship’s rudder, guiding it through turbulent waters. His gaze is turned upward, seeking divine guidance.
Faith is represented allegorically as a female figure dressed in white, blindfolded (a symbol of blind faith), and holding a large black cross in her right hand. She stands as the spiritual pillar of the ship.
Hope, dressed in green, is depicted with an anchor, another traditional symbol. She looks towards the heavens, suggesting trust in divine salvation.
Charity, in the foreground, is shown as a young mother embracing two children—a symbol of her selfless and protective love.
Above, at the center of the scene on a cloud, is the Holy Trinity, with God the Father holding the lifeless body of Christ in the traditional iconography of the Throne of Grace (Thronus Gratiae), while the Holy Spirit is symbolized by divine light. On the left background, side scenes depict other moments from the life of Christ or the early Church, while tumultuous waves and threatening rocks form the backdrop of this perilous voyage. The painting is likely to date to the nineteenth century, and is the only known copy of two earlier eighteenth century versions by Chiari on the same theme. These original versions differ in format and size. One of them is preserved in a religious institution in the city of Frascati, while the other—commissioned for the father of the Cardinal of York is currently held in storage at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome.

Dimensions

in 66,50x48,60

Provenance

Private collection

Conditions

20th-century re-lining. Recent restoration

Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each product to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Coradi Rare Finds is merely a subjective opinion.