NICCOLA GRASSI (1682–1748)

Oil on canvas. Expert analysis: Dr. Dario Succi, Gorizia. Nicola Grassi was an Italian painter of the late Baroque. He apprenticed with Antonio Carneo, and after the latter’s death, Grassi moved to Venice. He worked closely with the Genoese painter Nicola Cassano. The central motif of the painting is Christ on the cross, placed within a circular fountain with flowing water. At the edge of the fountain is a pelican feeding its young, symbolising charity and self-sacrifice. The cross is surrounded by a group of figures. In the foreground, St. Peter kneels with his typical attributes - a key and a rooster. Beside him is Mary Magdalene with a jar of fragrant ointment, to the right is King David with a lavish robe with an ermine collar, a harp, and a turban, with a crown lying on the ground. On the left side of the fountain, St. Longinus stands with the spear that pierced Christ's side, and to the right, a man with a cross who was crucified together with Christ on Golgotha. With his index finger, he points to the healing power of water, symbolising Christ’s teachings. On the right edge of the picture are the figures of Adam and Eve awaiting salvation. In the background is a hilly landscape with a cityscape and a blue sky with flying putti who carry a gold shield with the monogram of Christ.