Italian School Artist, Lot and His Daughters Flee from Sodom, 1650, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Splendid 17th century Italian painting. Oil on canvas artwork attributable to the painter Pietro Paolini (1603-1681), lacking authenticity. Born in Lucca, he trained in Rome under the guidance of Angelo Caroselli and deepened his knowledge of Bolognese and Florentine painting, but was influenced above all by the works of Caravaggio. Our painting depicts a very fascinating biblical story, Lot and his daughters during their escape from Sodom. Abraham’s grandson had saved two angels from the clutches of the city’s inhabitants and they warned him to flee before God’s punishment fell on Sodom and Gomorrah. On the left we find the city in flames while Lot’s wife is transformed into a pillar of salt for having contravened the order not to look back. The two beautiful daughters accompany their father and from the mischievous looks you can imagine what will happen next. In fact, fearing to be the last surviving humans and not to lose their descendants, they get their father drunk to lie with him without his knowledge. Artwork of great pictorial quality, evident in particular in the masterful use of the chiaroscuro technique to create plasticity, volume and make the figures emerge from the darkness. Elegant 20th century frame in carved, gilded and painted wood, faux marble, with some signs of aging. Painting that has undergone restoration with relining, replacement of the frame and recovery of color in some small spots (see photo). Overall in good state of conservation. Sight size H 84.5 x W 121 cm.