A never-before-seen masterpiece by 19th-century artist Federico Moja exhibited at National Antiques.

On the occasion of the XXXIII edition of Antiquariato Nazionale, which takes place at Villa Castelbarco from October 19 to 27, 2019 in Vaprio d’Adda (Milan), the public will be able to admire for the first time the Baptism Scene in the Chapel of San Vittore di Brembate, a work by Federico Moja (Milan, 1802 - Dolo, 1885). The unpublished masterpiece by one of the most important Lombard artists of the 19th century will be presented by the Ars Antiqua gallery following the latter’s recent acquisition of the painting.

The work is signed and dated “Moja 1838” in the lower right corner and depicts the scenic chapel of San Vittore di Brembate, in the province of Bergamo. According to legend, the caves of the Sanctuary of San Vittore are said to have been the first refuge of Vittore il Moro, a Roman soldier in Milan at the time of Maximian who suffered martyrdom because of his faith. The rock of the cave would have sunken prodigiously, creating a niche, which would have hidden St. Victor from some of the guards who came to the cave looking for him. In the middle of the cave, there is a stone basin, an ancient baptismal font: above this is said to have remained the imprint of the saint’s hand, a darker spot, from which, according to legend, a drop of water would perpetually gush forth. The water is reputed to possess healing properties and to have performed numerous prodigious healings.

Federico Moja adhered to an atmospheric painting style and the depiction of Romantic and neo-Gothic subjects, such as crypts, convents and pilgrimage sites, as can be seen in the exhibited work depicting a baptism scene in the chapel of San Vittore. The artist often used shading and strong chiaroscuro contrasts: in the painting, warm lights make the atmosphere sacred and the setting is dominated by silence.

For info: www.villacastelbarco.com

A never-before-seen masterpiece by 19th-century artist Federico Moja exhibited at National Antiques.

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