Get Paintings Reproductions Pope Urban II Preaching the First Crusade in the Square of Clermont by Francesco Hayez (1791-1882, Italy) | WahooArt.com

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"Pope Urban II Preaching the First Crusade in the Square of Clermont"

Francesco Hayez (i) - Oil On Canvas (i) - 235 x 157 cm - (Fondazione Cariplo (Milan, Italy))

The painting was executed for the brothers Enrico and Gaetano Taccioli, well-known patriots who commissioned other important works from Francesco Hayez, and was shown in the Esposizione di Belle Arti di Brera in 1835. The canvas, which was the property of Litta Modignani in 1934, reappeared on the antique market in the 1990s when it was purchased by Cariplo. The episode of Peter the Hermit preaching in the square of Clermont, in the presence of Urban II is inspired by Joseph-François Michaud’s Histoire des croisades, translated into Italian in 1826. After the Council held in Clermont in November 1095, the pope launched his famous appeal inviting Christian knights to intervene in defence of the Church, and to aid their Eastern brothers in the Holy Land. In his faithful pictorial transposition of the literary text Hayez arranges the scene around the tall throne erected for the pope in the square packed with a huge crowd, and focuses on the main events: Peter the Hermit’s preaching and the distribution of red cloth crosses destined to be worn by those who engaged to do battle. This canvas once again displays the artist’s indisputable skill in rendering the garments and setting within the precise reconstruction of an episode drawn from medieval history, and above all it reveals the potential of history painting to express the feelings and reactions of a crowd. Powerful dramatic and emotional moments alternate with moving elegiac scenes of farewell, like that of the couple kissing in the foreground or the woman left alone with her baby, an obvious allusion to the father’s departure. When it appeared in 1835 it had a mixed reception from the critics: some said the composition was disorganized in its orchestration of the numerous different groups and the handling was too hasty especially as regards the crowd in the distance, but most praised the freshness of the execution and the rich variety of expression. Hayez also painted other works on the theme of the Crusades, full of political allusions to the contemporary Italian situation and the need for national liberation: the famous Peter the Hermit, 1829 (private collection), a real appeal to the cause of independence, and Thirst for the Crusades (Turin, Palazzo Reale).

 



Early Life and Training

Francesco Hayez, an Italian painter, was born on February 10, 1791, in a relatively poor family from Venice. His father, Giovanni, was of French origin, while his mother, Chiara Torcella, was from Murano. Hayez showed a predisposition for drawing from childhood and was apprenticed to an art restorer by his uncle.

Artistic Career

Hayez became a student of the painter Francesco Maggiotto, with whom he continued his studies for three years. He was admitted to the painting course of the New Academy of Fine Arts in 1806, where he studied under Teodoro Matteini. In 1809, Hayez won a competition from the Academy of Venice for one year of study at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome.

Notable Works and Style

Hayez's output spanned both historic paintings and portraits. Some of his notable works include:
  • The Kiss, considered among his best work by contemporaries, which has gained esteem over time.
  • Odalisque (1867), a semi-clothed female, often evocative of oriental themes.
  • Susanna at her Bath (1859), a nude bather, showcasing his ability to capture sensuality in his subjects.
  • Portrait, Matilde Juva-Branca (1851), one of his portraits that has the intensity seen with Ingres and the Nazarene movement.

Museums and Collections

Hayez's works can be found in various museums, including Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Milan, Italy. This museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by renowned artists like Hayez, Giovanni Bellini, and Umberto Boccioni.

Legacy and Influence

Hayez lived a long and prolific life, passing away on December 21, 1882. His legacy as the leading artist of Romanticism in mid-19th-century Milan endures, with his works continuing to be celebrated for their grand historical themes, political allegories, and exceptionally fine portraits. Important: For more information on Hayez's life and works, visit Discover the Masterpieces of Museo Nazionale (Palermo, Italy), which features a collection of Italian art from various periods and styles.

Early Life and Training

Francesco Hayez, a renowned Italian painter, was born on February 10, 1791, in Venice, Italy. His father, Giovanni, was of French origin, while his mother, Chiara Torcella, hailed from Murano. The young Francesco showed a predisposition for drawing and was apprenticed to an art restorer by his uncle.

Artistic Career

Hayez's artistic journey began in 1806 when he enrolled in the New Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, where he studied under Teodoro Matteini. In 1809, he won a competition that granted him a year's study at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome. This exposure to various artistic influences shaped his style, which would later become a hallmark of Italian Romanticism.

Notable Works and Style

Hayez's oeuvre is characterized by grand historical paintings, political allegories, and exceptionally fine portraits. Some of his notable works include:

Museums and Collections

Hayez's works are featured in various museums, including the Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Milan, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Legacy and Impact

Hayez's influence on Italian Romanticism is undeniable. His work has been a subject of study for art historians and enthusiasts alike, with his pieces continuing to inspire new generations of artists. Key Dates: - February 10, 1791: Born in Venice, Italy - 1806: Enrolled in the New Academy of Fine Arts, Milan - December 21, 1882: Passed away, leaving behind a legacy in Italian art

 

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