Maccari's Masterpieces
An academic exploration of the life and works of Cesare Maccari, a pivotal figure in Italian academic art.
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Profile
Cesare Maccari | |
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[Portrait image placeholder] |
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Born |
9 May 1840 Siena, Grand Duchy of Tuscany
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Died |
7 August 1919 (aged 79) Rome, Kingdom of Italy |
Nationality | Italian |
Known for | Painting |
Notable work | Cicero Denounces Catiline |
Artistic Identity
Cesare Maccari (1840–1919) was a distinguished Italian painter and sculptor, recognized for his contributions to academic art during the 19th century. His oeuvre is characterized by meticulous technique, historical subject matter, and a deep engagement with classical themes and narratives.
Origins and Enduring Legacy
Born in Siena, Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Maccari's career spanned significant periods of Italian history, from the unification of Italy to the early 20th century. He passed away in Rome, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied for its historical significance and artistic merit.
Formative Years
Academic Foundations
Maccari received his foundational artistic training at the Institute of the Fine Arts in Siena. During this period, he collaborated with Tito Sarrocchi, contributing to the completion of the Monumento Pianigiani in Siena. His artistic development continued under the tutelage of Luigi Mussini in Florence, where he honed his skills in painting and sculpture.
Early Commissions and Patronage
His early career was marked by significant commissions. In 1864, an English society engaged him to meticulously copy the works of Bernardino Pinturicchio within the Siena Cathedral. He also received patronage from the Marquis Pieri-Nerli, for whom he executed frescoes of the Four Evangelists in a private chapel. These early projects provided valuable experience and exposure, paving the way for his subsequent studies in Rome.
Rome and Italian Travels
Upon winning a stipend for study in Rome, Maccari embarked on travels throughout Italy. This period of exploration allowed him to immerse himself in the rich artistic heritage of the peninsula, absorbing influences that would shape his mature style and thematic choices in the years to come.
The Roman Period
Early Oil Canvases
In Rome, Maccari produced several notable oil canvases. Among these were Vittoria Colonna meditates on the Poetry of Michelangelo and Sira che sacrifica la propia vita for the padrona Fabiola, the latter earning a medal at the Exhibition of Termini. His work Un palpito del passato was awarded a gold medal at the Exposition of Parma. He also contributed figures to the church of Santa Francesca Romana and painted a Deposition commissioned by the marchesa di Cassibile.
Fresco Achievements
Maccari demonstrated considerable skill in fresco painting. Between 1870 and 1873, he decorated the interior of the church of the Sudario in Rome. He also executed tempera frescoes for the lunette above the Lombardi tomb in Campo Verano. His 1863 painting, Leonardo che ritrae la Gioconda (Leonardo Painting the Mona Lisa), received an award in 1865 and was later reproduced.
Exhibition Success
His participation in exhibitions garnered recognition. At the 1878 Turin Exposition, his oil canvas depicting The Deposition of Pope Silverius by Antonina, wife of Belisarius was purchased for the Civic Museum of Turin. His frescoes in the Sala del Risorgimento in Siena's public palace were also met with critical acclaim.
Palazzo Madama Frescoes
Historical Narratives
Between 1882 and 1888, Maccari undertook a significant commission for the Salone d'Onore (Reception Hall) of Rome's Palazzo Madama, the seat of the Italian Senate. He created a series of frescoes depicting pivotal moments in the history of the Roman Senate. These works are celebrated for their detailed historical representation and dramatic composition.
Loreto Basilica Frescoes
Devotional Artistry
In his later career, Maccari was commissioned to design and complete the frescoes for the cupola of the Basilica di Loreto. Completed between 1890 and 1907, these works replaced earlier frescoes by Cristoforo Roncalli that had deteriorated. The adjacent museum houses preparatory studies and paintings related to this significant project, which depict events leading to the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854.
Masterpiece: Cicero Denounces Catiline
The Iconic Depiction
Maccari's most renowned work, Cicero Denounces Catiline (1888), captures the dramatic moment from Cicero's first oration against Catiline in the Roman Senate (63 BC). The painting is lauded for its vivid portrayal of the historical event, particularly the depiction of senators isolating Catiline as Cicero delivers his powerful denunciation.
Critical Reception and Historical Accuracy
While widely reproduced and influential in shaping perceptions of the Roman Senate, the painting has faced scholarly critique regarding historical accuracy. Points of contention include the depiction of the Senate meeting in the wrong location (the Senate House, Curia Cornelia, instead of the Temple of Jupiter Stator) and discrepancies in the ages and appearances of Cicero and Catiline relative to historical accounts.
Academic Connections
Scholarly Resources
Cesare Maccari's work and life are cataloged across various international and national databases, providing valuable resources for academic research. These include:
- International Identifiers: ISNI, VIAF, FAST, WorldCat
- National Repositories: Germany (GND), United States (LCCN), Italy (SBN), Vatican Archives
- Art Databases: ULAN, RKD Artists, Musée d'Orsay
- Biographical Archives: Italian People (Treccani), DeutscheBiographie, DDB, IdRef, Yale LUX
These resources offer extensive bibliographical and archival information for further study.
Teaching and Influence
In his later years, Maccari served as a lecturer at the prestigious Accademia di San Luca in Rome. His influence extended through his pupils, including notable artists such as Cesare Bertolotti and Giuseppe Aureli. Despite facing paralysis in 1909, his legacy as an educator and artist endured.
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References
References
- Sala Maccari description in Italian Senate website.
- Museo Antico Santuario di Loreto, short description.
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