Nuns in the Convent - Workshop of Alessandro Magnasco, (Genoa, 1667-1749)

"Nuns in the Convent"
Workshop of Alessandro Magnasco, known as Lissandrino
(Genoa, 1667-1749)
Oil painting on canvas
Golden frame
Canvas cm. 69 x 92
Frame cm. 81 x 106
The work is in good condition.

This interesting painting, permeated by a fascinating atmosphere, serene but with a dark halo, depicts the hall of a female convent, where groups of nuns are intent on spending their day dedicated to their daily work.
Spinning, sewing, bobbin lace, knitting and mending, alternating with prayer and reading.
The scene is described in the most typical ways that undoubtedly distinguish the extraordinary painting of the brilliant Genoese artist Alessandro Magnasco.
The depiction of spacious convent interiors, both of nuns and friars, constitutes one of the favorite themes of his vast repertoire and is particularly suited to expressing the unmistakable characteristics of the characters that animate his compositions.
The usual inevitable aura of dark theatricality finds an easy setting in these gloomy places where not the slightest note of joy, never touched on in his canvases, can shine through.
The painting has a great scenographic effect and stands out, not only for the countless scenes highlighted by an excellent three-dimensionality, but also for the author's choice to give a great sense of openness to an internal environment.
In fact, by avoiding depicting the groups of nuns inside a space closed by walls, he manages to give the sensation of being outdoors in a square with large porticoes.
The quality of the painting is remarkable and allows us to place it directly in Magnasco's workshop, differentiating itself from the many works of his less gifted imitators who were far from obtaining such valid and attractive results.