The elevation of Mary Magdalene. - Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi dit Le Bolognèse ( 1606-1680)

The elevation of Mary Magdalene.
. Monumental oil on canvas signed by the painter Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi known as Le Bolognese, born in 1606 and deceased in 1680.
The frame is more recent, it was produced by SOUTY ET FILS, "gilder of the Ministry of the Interior and The city of Paris".

A label holder on the back of the frame mentions its provenance. The Antoine Souty workshops in Paris were located at 18 place du Louvre in 1802.
The dimensions of this spectacular representation are 253 cm by 203 cm with the frame.
The dimensions of the canvas alone are 221 cm high by 171 cm.

The Virgin, in suspension, overlooks the terrestrial world and in particular a fortified city by the sea. She is carried by seven angels who symbolize the three theological virtues which are Faith, Hope and Charity and the four cardinal virtues which are wisdom, prudence, temperance and justice. It is the practice of these virtues which allows the Elevation of the soul.
The angel kissing the memento mori (the skull) thus symbolizes Wisdom. It reminds us of the importance of remembering death and living life thoughtfully with awareness of one's own mortality.
The angel carrying a strap could be that of Justice.
The praying angel evokes Faith.
The one who opens his arms, Hope, and the pot above the leader of a third makes it possible to distribute.He represents Charity.

In the heavens, like a strictly celestial echo, are seven other heads of cherubim.

A work balanced, luminous and very soft. Correct condition, note jumps in gilding, cracks and some gaps, wear, as well as a hole in the canvas.