The Virgin Appearing to St Philip Neri
by MARATTI, Carlo, Oil on canvas, 343 x 197 cm
Philip Neri’s position on the diagonal and his outstretched hands bring the viewer into his vision of divine love. The dynamic diagonal, the sculptural, turning bodies, the fulsome clouds, and especially the vision visited upon the saint are grand Baroque elements. These, and the sophisticated colour scheme, make this one of Maratti’s masterpieces.