Sebastiano Mazzoni (?) (Florence, 1611(?) - Venice, 1678)
Dream of Saint Joseph, 1660/1665 ca.
oil on canvas; inv. P 406
acquisition: on extended loan from Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico S. Orsola - Malpighi, 1979
This little painting, once attributed to the Venetian Pietro Liberi, is probably due to the bizarre talent of Liberi's friend, Sebastiano Mazzoni.
Mazzoni was a Florentine painter, poet, and architect who moved to Venice in 1646 and became one of the most original figures of 17th century Venetian art. Saint Joseph is depicted from behind, clinging onto earth. This eccentric and unusual rendering is typical of the grotesque and dramatic vision of the artist.
The technique and frayed brushstrokes are influenced by Bernardo Strozzi, while some details such as the shadowed faces with sudden highlights, recall Mazzoni's style.
