Virgin and Child with St Michael

In the beginning of the seventeenth century, Manetti traveled to Rome and Bologna where he was directly exposed to the works of Caravaggio, Guerchino, Lanfranco, and the Caravaggisti (especially Orazio Gentileschi, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Bartolomeo Manfredi). He is now considered to be one of the most important figures in seventeenth century Caravaggism in Tuscany. The present painting demonstrates a complete assimilation by Manetti of the naturalist innovations of Caravaggio. It was executed in an obvious Caravaggesque style, greatly inspired by Orazio Gentileschi.