14 Works, Today, April 17th is artist Giovanni Giacomo Barbelli's day, his story, illustrated with footnotes #106

Giovanni Giacomo Barbelli  (1604–1656)

The deposition, c. between 1646 and 1650

Oil on canvas

Height: 117 cm (46 in); Width: 184.5 cm (72.6 in)

Museo Civico di Crema e del Cremasco

The Descent from the Cross, or Deposition of Christ, is the scene, as depicted in art, from the Gospels' accounts of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus taking Christ down from the cross after his crucifixion. In Byzantine art the topic became popular in the 9th century, and in the West from the 10th century. The Descent from the Cross is the 13th Station of the Cross.

 

Other figures not mentioned in the Gospels who are often included in depictions of this subject include St. John the Evangelist, who is sometimes depicted supporting a fainting Mary, and Mary Magdalene. The Gospels mention an undefined number of women as watching the crucifixion, including the Three Marys and Mary Salome.  More on Deposition of Christ

Giovanni Giacomo Barbelli (17 April 1604 – 12 July 1656) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period, active in Lombardy. He was a canvas and fresco painter known for his religious and mythological scenes that decorate many churches and residences in Lombardy. He was a highly skilled draughtsman and a brilliant colorist. His work shows an inventive imagination and a thorough knowledge of perspective.

Giovanni Giacomo Barbelli

The Trinity with Saint Roch, Saint Sebastian, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Peter, c. 1633

I have no further description, at this time

Saint Roch or Rocco (lived c. 1348 – 15/16 August 1376/79 (traditionally c. 1295 – 16 August 1327)) was a Catholic saint, a confessor whose death is commemorated on 16 August; he is specially invoked against the plague. He may also be called Rock in English, and has the designation of St Rollox in Glasgow, Scotland. He is a patron saint of dogs, falsely accused people, bachelors, and several other things.

Sources say he was born at Montpellier, France, son of the governor. He went on pilgrimage to Rome and devoted himself to caring for the victims of a plague that was ravaging Italy. He became a victim himself at Piacenza but recovered and was reputed to have performed many miracles of healing.

On his return to Montpellier, he was imprisoned for five years as a spy in pilgrim's disguise when his uncle, who was governor, ordered him imprisoned (His uncle failed to recognize him, and Roch failed to identify himself.) Roch died in prison and was only then identified as the former governor's son by a birthmark in the form of a cross on his chest. Another biographer says that he was arrested as a spy at Angers, Lombardi, and died in prison there.

When miracles were reported at his intercession after his death, a popular cult developed and he is invoked against pestilence and plague. He is also the patron of invalids. More on Saint Roch

Saint Sebastian (died c. 288 AD) was an early Christian saint and martyr. Sebastian had prudently concealed his faith, but in 286 was detected. Diocletian reproached him for his betrayal, and he commanded him to be led to a field and there to be bound to a stake so that archers from Mauritania would shoot arrows at him. "And the archers shot at him till he was as full of arrows as an urchin is full of pricks, and thus left him there for dead." Miraculously, the arrows did not kill him.

Sebastian later stood by a staircase where the emperor was to pass and harangued Diocletian for his cruelties against Christians. This freedom of speech, and from a person whom he supposed to have been dead, greatly astonished the emperor; but, recovering from his surprise, he gave orders for his being seized and beat to death with cudgels, and his body thrown into the common sewer. A pious lady, called Lucina, admonished by the martyr in a vision, got it privately removed, and buried it in the catacombs at the entrance of the cemetery of Calixtus, where now stands the Basilica of St. Sebastian. More St. Sebastian

Saint Peter (AD 30; d. between AD 64 and 68), also known as Simon Peter, Simeon, or Simōn, according to the New Testament, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, leaders of the early Christian Church. He is also the "Apostle of the Apostles", an honor 3rd-century theologian Hippolytus of Rome gave him, and the Roman Catholic Church considers him to be the first pope, ordained by Jesus in the "Rock of My Church" dialogue in Matthew 16:18. The ancient Christian churches all venerate Peter as a major saint and associate him with founding the Church of Antioch and later the Church in Rome, but differ about the authority of his various successors in present-day Christianity.

 

Originally a fisherman, he played a leadership role and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a few apostles, such as the Transfiguration. According to the gospels, Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah, was part of Jesus's inner circle, thrice denied Jesus and wept bitterly once he realised his deed, and preached on the day of Pentecost.

 

According to Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero Augustus Caesar. It is traditionally held that he was crucified upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus. Tradition holds that he was crucified at the site of the Clementine Chapel. More on Saint Peter

Barbelli Giovanni Giacomo

Saint Lucia, c. 1636

Mural fresco

cm 144.0x53.5 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Saint Lucy, Italian Santa Lucia (died 304, Syracuse, Sicily), virgin and martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity, having a widespread following before the 5th century. She is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily). Because of various traditions associating her name with light, she came to be thought of as the patron of sight.

Lucy came from a wealthy Sicilian family. Spurning marriage and worldly goods, however, she vowed to remain a virgin in the tradition of St. Agatha. An angry suitor reported her to the local Roman authorities, who sentenced her to be removed to a brothel and forced into prostitution. This order was thwarted, according to legend, by divine intervention; Lucy became immovable and could not be carried away. She was next condemned to death by fire, but she proved impervious to the flames. Finally, her neck was pierced by a sword and she died.

Lucy was a victim of the wave of persecution of Christians that occurred late in the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian. References to her are found in early Roman sacramentaries and, at Syracuse, in an inscription dating from 400 ce. As evidence of her early fame, two churches are known to have been dedicated to her in Britain before the 8th century, at a time when the land was largely pagan. More Saint Lucy

The emblem of eyes on a cup or plate apparently reflects popular devotion to her as protector of sight. Lucia (from the Latin word "lux" which means "light"). In paintings St. Lucy is frequently shown holding her eyes on a golden plate. She also holds the palm branch, symbol of victory over evil. More The emblem of eyes

He was born in Offanengo, near Crema. In the young age he learned the art of drawing and painting in Naples. Having returned to his homeland soon, he began to work in his own city, later passing to other Lombard centers, where, by alternately treating the technique of oil painting and fresco, he demonstrated skill in drawing and often brilliant color. He painted vaults and walls of stately rooms with a high spirit of inventive imagination and perspective knowledge

Barbelli Giovanni Giacomo

Nativity of St. John the Baptist, c. 1636

Mural fresco

cm 310.0x243.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

The Nativity of John the Baptist is a Christian feast day celebrating the birth of John the Baptist. The Nativity of John the Baptist is a high-ranking liturgical feast, kept in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and Lutheran churches. The sole biblical account of the birth of John the Baptist comes from the Gospel of Luke. More on Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Barbelli Giovanni Giacomo

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, c. 1642

Mural Fresco

cm 300.0x188.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ with the Madonna, Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint John

The crucifixion of Jesus occurred in 1st-century Judea, most likely between AD 30 and 33. Jesus' crucifixion is described in the four canonical gospels, referred to in the New Testament epistles.

Jesus was arrested and tried by the Sanhedrin, and then sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally crucified by the Romans. Jesus was stripped of his clothing and offered wine mixed with myrrh or gall to drink before being crucified. He was then hung between two convicted thieves and died some six hours later. During this time, the soldiers affixed a sign to the top of the cross stating "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" which, according to the Gospel of John, was written in three languages. After Jesus' death, one soldier pierced his side with a spear to be certain that he had died. More on The crucifixion of Jesus

Among his works are a Nativity altarpiece for the sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Brughiera in Bulliana in the province of Biella. He also painted two altarpieces, a Crucifixion and a Circumcision (attributed) for the Sanctuary della Madonna del Pianto in Ono Degno, near Pertica Bassa. He painted history scenes into quadratura by Domenico Ghislandi for the Palazzo Terzi as well as for the Palazzo Moroni (1649–1654) in Bergamo. Barbello frescoed Glory of the Magdalen and scenes from her life in the presbytery and apse for the church of Santa Maria Maddalena, Cremona.

Barbelli Giovanni Giacomo

San Michele and San Pietro released from prison, c. 1622

Oil on canvas

cm 270.0x230.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

The liberation of the apostle Peter is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 12 in which the apostle Peter is rescued from prison by an angel. Although described in a short textual passage, the tale has given rise to theological discussions and has been the subject of a number of artworks. More on The liberation of the apostle Peter

He died on 2 July 1656 in Calcinato (Brescia) when he was accidentally hit by an arquebus shot during a festival.

Barbelli GG (1632)

Gathering of manna, c. 1632

Oil on canvas

cm 70.0x54.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Manna, sometimes or archaically spelled mana is, according to the Bible, an edible substance which God provided for the Israelites during their travels in the desert during the 40-year period following the Exodus and prior to the conquest of Canaan. It is also mentioned in the Quran three times. More on Manna

Among his early works are frescoes depicting Episodes of life of St George (1611), in the church of Casaletto Vaprio, and frescoes depicting Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary, (1611-1618) in the oratory of San Rocco in Montodine.

Barbelli GG (1636)

Dance of Salome, c. 1636

Mural fresco

cm 310.0x245.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Salome was the daughter of Herod II and Herodias. She is infamous for demanding and receiving the head of John the Baptist, according to the New Testament. According to Flavius Josephus's Jewish Antiquities, Salome was first married to Philip the Tetrarch of Ituraea and Trakonitis. After Philip's death in 34 AD she married Aristobulus of Chalcis and became queen of Chalcis and Armenia Minor. They had three children. Three coins with portraits of Aristobulus and Salome have been found. Her name in Hebrew meaning "peace". More on Salome

Barbelli painted an altarpiece depicting Saints Roch and Sebastian (1631) for the parish church of Madignano, near Crema. Around 1635-38, he painted two important fresco cycles in the churches of Santa Maria delle Grazie and San Giovanni Decollato of Crema.

In 1636 he executed a lively self-portrait in the act of playing the guitar with an elegant gentleman's dress. A decade later he painted the altarpiece with Virgin in Glory and Saints (1646) for the church of San Lazzaro in Bergamo. He painted in 1646 an altarpiece of the Virgin in Glory with the Saints Joseph and Lazarus for the Church of Saint Lazarus in Bergamo.

Barbelli GG (1636)

San John Baptist visited by priests, c. 1636

Mural fresco

cm 310.0x242.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Barbelli GG (1636)

St. John the Baptist in glory, c. 1636

Mural fresco

cm 242.0x242.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

John the Baptist, known as the prophet Yahya in the Qur'an, was a Jewish itinerant preacher in the early first century AD. John is revered as a major religious figure in Christianity, Islam, the Bahá'í Faith, and Mandaeism. He is called a prophet by all of these traditions, and honoured as a saint in many Christian traditions.

 

John used baptism as the central sacrament of his messianic movement.[ Most scholars agree that John baptized Jesus. Scholars generally believe Jesus was a follower or disciple of John and several New Testament accounts report that some of Jesus' early followers had previously been followers of John. John the Baptist is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus. Some scholars maintain that John was influenced by the semi-ascetic Essenes, who expected an apocalypse and practiced rituals corresponding strongly with baptism, although no direct evidence substantiates this.

 

According to the New Testament, John anticipated a messianic figure greater than himself, and Jesus was the one whose coming John foretold. Christians commonly refer to John as the precursor or forerunner of Jesus, since John announces Jesus' coming. John is also identified with the prophet Elijah. More on John the Baptist

In the years 1647-49 Barbelli made the vast fresco decorations in the vaults of the staircase and some rooms in the palace of the Counts Moroni in Bergamo, together with Giovanni Battista Azzola, his first student. In Bergamo and in the Bergamasco he carried out his major activity, painting figures for churches, generally of considerable size. For San Rocco, he executed an altarpiece depicting Saints Fermo and Antony for the Angelini chapel in Sant'Agostino, and Two Stories of Miracles of San Nicola, now displayed to the parish church of Sant'Andrea after the suppression of the Augustinian church.

Barbelli GG (1643)

Detail; Madonna announced, c. 1643

Mural fresco

cm 190.0x145.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Many scenes of the Madonna were inspired by specific biblical texts about Mary. Luke tells us that the angel Gabriel announced that God favored her; some paintings present the artist’s understanding of the conditions necessary for God’s favor. 

He painted an altarpiece depicting the Holy Trinity for the church of Gandino; in Lovere, in the ancient church of Santa Maria di Valvendra, aSt Francis of Assisi, and a large painting depicting Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. The Pinacoteca Tadini in Lovere displays two of his works: a Dead Christ between the Madonna and Mary Magdalene and a St Michael.

Barbelli GG sec. XVII

Martyrdom of San Sebastiano, c. 1640/1656

Oil on canvas

cm 140.0x95.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Saint Sebastian (died c. 288 AD) was an early Christian saint and martyr. Sebastian had prudently concealed his faith, but in 286 was detected. Diocletian reproached him for his betrayal, and he commanded him to be led to a field and there to be bound to a stake so that archers from Mauritania would shoot arrows at him. "And the archers shot at him till he was as full of arrows as an urchin is full of pricks, and thus left him there for dead." Miraculously, the arrows did not kill him.

Sebastian later stood by a staircase where the emperor was to pass and harangued Diocletian for his cruelties against Christians. This freedom of speech, and from a person whom he supposed to have been dead, greatly astonished the emperor; but, recovering from his surprise, he gave orders for his being seized and beat to death with cudgels, and his body thrown into the common sewer. A pious lady, called Lucina, admonished by the martyr in a vision, got it privately removed, and buried it in the catacombs at the entrance of the cemetery of Calixtus, where now stands the Basilica of St. Sebastian. More St. Sebastian

Altarpieces are found in Santi Faustino e Giovita, Brescia and in the parishes of Quintano (Cremona) and Santa Maria Assunta, Ombriano.

Barbelli GG sec. XVII

Miracle of San Biagio, c. 1656

Oil on canvas

cm 170.0x111.0 (HxL)

Diocese of Crema

Saint Blaisese, was a physician, and bishop of Sebastea in historical Armenia. According to the Acta Sanctorum, he was martyred by being beaten, attacked with iron combs, and beheaded. He is the patron saint of wool combers. 

From being a healer of bodily ailments, Saint Blaise became a physician of souls, then retired for a time to a cavern where he remained in prayer. As bishop of Sebastea, Blaise instructed his people as much by his example as by his words, and the great virtues and sanctity of the servant of God were attested by many miracles. From all parts, the people came flocking to him for the cure of bodily and spiritual ills. He is said to have healed animals (who came to the saint on their own for his assistance) and to have been assisted by animals.

In 316, the governor of Cappadocia and Lesser Armenia Agricolaus began a persecution by order of the Emperor Licinius and Saint Blaise was seized. After his interrogation and a severe scourging, he was hurried off to prison, and subsequently beheaded. More on Saint Blaisese

Giovanni Giacomo Barbelli  (1604–1656)

Mount Olympus, c. 1656

Fresco

Height: 237 cm (93.3 in); Width: 407 cm (13.3 ft)

Casa Mercanda, Calcinato

At the wedding banquet between Peleus and Tethys, Zeus had invited all the gods except Eris, the goddess of discord. She, resentful of the insult, threw a golden apple among those present: it was destined "for the most beautiful", as befits that heavenly fruit. The three supreme goddesses of Olympus, namely Juno, Minerva and Venus, wanted the apple for themselves, each considering themselves the most beautiful. A dispute arose, so that Zeus decided that a mortal of his choice would decide with his verdict which goddess was entitled to that apple. The chosen one was Paris, son of Priam king of Troy.

Mercury, messenger of the gods, accompanied the three goddesses and had the golden apple with him. Paris should have assigned it to the most beautiful; he chose Venus who promised him the most beautiful mortal in marriage. More on this painting

Before he completed the large decorative works of the Palazzo Terzi and Palazzo Moroni in Bergamo and the rooms of the castle of Cavemago, Barbelli had already demonstrated excellent knowledge of perspective in painting rooms of Crema and Cremasco buildings, sucha as in: villa Tensini (now Sabadini), Santa Maria della Croce, Premoli palace in Crema, and villa Vimercati Sanseverino (formerly Benzoni) in Vaiano Cremasco. More on Giovanni Giacomo Barbelli

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