Caravagista Master of the XVII century.

Caravagist Master, Italy 17th century.
"Orfeo".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 132 x 96 cm; 143 x 112 cm (frame).

The dark background envelops a scene in which its protagonist seems to ignore his spectators. Orpheus carries the bow and the violin in an assimilation to the classic Greek zither. His half-open lips and fixed gaze to the sky show the fate of his melody, which may allude to the melancholy for the loss of Euridice. The protector of music is presented as the archetype of the Greek ephebe, in that point of subtle and almost adolescent masculine beauty that represents all the virtues of youth. The boy's semi-naked body is covered in a subdued way by a deep red cloak that molds his figure as if it were the support of a sculpture.
The theatrical aspect and the focal illumination clearly remind us of the influence of Caravaggio. The master of tenebrism brought a modern point that will change the paradigm of art forever leaving a mark on a good number of followers and schools. Although we cannot delve into a specific authorship, it is necessary to compare this work with the one catalogued in the Fondazione Zeri as being by the hand of Giovanni Baglione, being this the possible author of our work.