Monday, February 07, 2005
St. Valetine Baptizing St.Lucilla
Since Valentine's Day is approaching the RBR thought it might be nice to share another painting in its world reknown collection that is pertinent to the holiday.
Here's a large painting by Jacopo Bassano from 1575 depicting St Valentine baptizing the ever lovely St. Lucilla. Spanish in origin, she was such a hot little number that the French used their name for her, St. Lucia, as the name of a picturesque little isalnd in the Carribean. As usual one of Bird's ancestors was there as an official witness, and to this very day there are still flamingos on St. Lucia watching after the family interest.
An extraordinary burst of light bounces off the characters, casting silky reflections on the robes and feathers and making the gold and pink glimmer. The painter produced this masterpiece when he was well into his middle age. It gives us tremendous insight into his enormously innovative power which fell between popular realism and magical effects. It is astounding to think Jacopo Bassano was able to produce paintings of this stature when he was so removed from the major centres of art in Italy.
Happy Valentines Day to you all.
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