Corrado Giaquinto Molfetta 1703 - 1766 Naples

This study by Corrado Giaquinto was painted during the artist's sojourn in Spain from 1753 to 1762, during which time he held the prestigious position of Primer Pintor to Ferdinand VI. The painting was almost certainly conceived by the artist as a bozzetto for a ceiling for a church or noble house in Madrid and it probably acted as the presentation piece shown by the artist to his patron. The absence of a recorded final work implies that the ceiling has since been destroyed or perhaps the project was never approved.

During his stay in Spain, Giaquinto enjoyed a high reputation equal to that of his compatriot Gianbattista Tiepolo. His output includes a number of altarpieces and easel paintings, although his most important legacy exists through his frescos painted for his royal patron, the most celebrated of which are for the Royal Chapel and the principal staircase of the Palacio de Oriente (for further information see I. Cioffi, Corrado Giaquinto at the Spanish Court: 1753-1762. The Fresco Cycles at the New Royal Palace in Madrid, doctoral thesis, New York University, 1992). Giaquinto's work left a profound influence on the generation of artists working in Spain during the second half of the 18th century, such as Francisco Bayeu, Antonio González Velázquez and even Francisco de Goya.

The attribution to Giaquinto has been confirmed by Dr. Edgar Peter Bowron, following first hand inspection.