Roman Charity

Roman Charity is a beautiful original oil painting on canvas, realized around the half of the XVII century by a follower of Dirck van Baburen (1595-1624).

This painting depicts the young Pero nursing the old father Cimone, two figures shining in the darkness of the background.

A version of this Roman Charity (127 x 150 cm), made by Dirck van Baburen between 1622 and 1624, is currently preserved at the York City Art Gallery. The aforementioned Dutch artist created this artwork after his Roman stay, when he returned to Utrecht at the end of 1620.

The profound assimilation of  Caravaggio's lesson is evident, also filtered by that of Bartolomeo Manfredi.
Two more  Roman Charity  artworks exist: one realized by Jan Janssens, now preserved at the Museum of the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, and another by an unknown author at the Douai at the Musée de la Chartreuse.

This incredible specimen is an important proof of van Baburen's vast reputation acquired immediately after his death, as well as a superb work to exhibit in your house.

Bibliography: W. Franits, The paintings of Dirck van Baburen. Catalogue raisonné , 2013, pp. 147-151.