Francesco Solimena (1657 - 1747) (Att.) - Studies for Saints Matthew and James

This draft representing the two saints Matthew and James the Major arbitrarily gathered together on the same study is executed with a quick and sure hand. It is to be related to two separate pendentives of the vault of the church of San Nicola alla Carità in Naples. This modello is a very interesting document because this decoration is nowadays very damaged. The influence of Giovanni Battista Beinaschi, a follower of Giovanni Lanfranco, is very evident here, especially in the chiaroscuro treatment. A sketch by Solimena, kept in private collection and representing a saint and Saint Anthony of Padua, has characteristics very close to our painting.
The lower part of the latter, having suffered damage due to humidity, has been beautifully reintegrated.