Flora - Giuseppe Maria Crespi (1665-1747)

Giuseppe Maria Crespi is one of those Italian painters who are still inspired by the Caravaggio movement. Indeed, the model he has chosen to represent is treated in the manner of the clair-obscur. The white skin tones, which contrast with the dark brown background, accentuate the sensuality that emerged from the painting. This grace, suggested by the wiggling of the character, draws its sources from the Mannerism of the Italian Renaissance and adds to the charnel character of the scene. This feeling is also suggested by the undulating movement of the right arm that accompanies Flora's harmonious curves. The poetic dimension of the goddess has inspired the artist on several occasions, as we know of a number of works depicting her. He chose to paint this Roman divinity of fertility and spring in an intimate scene treated with simplicity and an economy of tone. This composition may seem equivocal to us, for beyond the obvious sensual aspect, Crespi also suggests a religious dimension. Indeed, the kneeling position of the young woman suggests the humility of pious figures such as Saint Magdalene, who renounces the vanities of the world.