Il Trionfo della Vergine o La piccola tesi

Acquaforte e bulino, 1625, firmata in lastra in basso a destra. Esemplare di terzo stato con indirizzo di Silvestre. Magnifica prova, ricca di toni, impressa su carta vergata coeva, rifilata al rame, in ottimo stato di conservazione. L’opera fu commissionata al Callot per una tesi teologica sostenuta nel 1625 a Roma dal frate Etienne Didelot. Dedicata a Carlo IV e alla Duchessa Nicole, l’opera viene descritta nella lastra come l’immagine della guerra, della vittoria, del trionfo e della gloria della Vergine. La grande composizione si può dividere in tante piccole scene, tutte spiegate da iscrizioni latine, aventi un unico comune denominatore: la devozione mariana. L’opere trasmette la figura di una donna forte, dominante, alle volte raffigurata con l’allegoria di Roma Trionfante, a tutt’oggi associata all’iconografia dell’Immacolata Concezione. Secondo alcuni studiosi l’opera rappresenta la testimonianza più elevata del culto mariano presso la confraternita dei Francescani, che si esprimeva al massimo in occasione degli anni santi. Numerosi sono i disegni preparatori all’opera, conservati al museo di Nancy. Opera di grande fascino mistico. Bibliografia Meaume 1860 100.II; Lieure 1927 562.III; Mostra di Nancy, 694. Thesis: the triumph of the Virgin; allegorical figures holding inscribed shields in the lesser part, surrounding an armed woman trampling a dragon; in the centre, the Virgin on a carriage, wearing a triple crown, holding a lily and a sphere, surrounded by figures playing music, with groups of the damned on each side; fortified cities and ships in the background; cherubs, allegorical figures, inscribed banderoles and shining heart in the sky; coat of arms at the bottom. Etching, 1625, lettered with inscriptions, dedication to Charles IV and Nicole of Lorraine, production and publication detail: 'Iac. Callot Nobilis Lotharing In. et Sclup. in aqua fortj. excuditq Naceij'.Example of the rhird state, with Silvestre imprint.A fine impression, printed with tone on contemporary laid papere, trimmed to the platemark, very good condition.The work was commissioned to Callot for a theological thesis supported in 1625 in Rome by the friar Etienne Didelot. Dedicated to Charles IV and the Duchess Nicole, the work is described in the plate as the image of war, of victory, of triumph and of the glory of the Virgin.The great composition can be divided into many small scenes, all explained by Latin inscriptions, having only one common denominator: Marian devotion. The work conveys the figure of a strong, dominant woman, sometimes depicted with the allegory of Rome Triumphant, still associated with the iconography of the Immaculate Conception. According to some scholars, the work represents the highest testimony of the Marian cult in the Confraternity of the Franciscans, which was expressed at most during the holy years.Numerous preparatory drawings for the work are preserved at the Nancy museum. Bibliografia Meaume 1860 100.II; Lieure 1927 562.III; Mostra di Nancy, 694. Cfr.