The Three Marys and the Mother of God with a Crown of Thorns

The Three Marys and the Mother of God with a Crown of Thorns
Carlo Maratti (1625 Camerano - 1713 Rome) and workshop, attributed to
Carlo Maratti, also known as "Carletto delle Madonne", depicts in this canvas the visit of the Three Marys to Christ’s empty tomb, accompanied by the Virgin Mary (Mark 16:6–7). An angel approaches and presents the crown of thorns to the Mother, symbolizing her Son’s Passion. At least two other autograph versions of this composition are known: one, originally intended for Pope Alexander VIII Ottoboni, was instead delivered to his namesake, the cardinal, after the pope’s death; the other was painted for Niccolò Maria Pallavicini. The composition, emblematic of Roman Baroque art, also served as a reference for painters such as Sebastiano Conca and Francesco Trevisiani.

The artist was one of the leading figures of the classicist trend within the Roman High Baroque, strongly influenced by his teacher Andrea Sacchi (1599–1661). A comparable version appeared at auction at Sotheby’s, Milan, 30 November 2004, Lot 76 (86 × 71.5 cm). Another is in the collection of the Fondazione Sorgente Group, Rome, with an expert opinion by Giancarlo Sestieri dated 15 June 2005, confirming the existence of at least two autograph versions. A further version is reportedly held at Melbourne Hall, Derby, United Kingdom. The painting offered here can also be attributed to Carlo Maratti and his workshop.