Francesco Guardi (1712 -1793)

Francesco Guardi (1712 –1793), The Holy Family and Saints Domenico and Francesco
The present painting, probably destined for private devotion, depicts in the upper left the Madonna Assunta, Jesus and Joseph dominated by the dove; symbol of the Holy Spirit. Bottom right is St. Dominic (1170-1221), founder of the order of Preachers, also known as Dominicans. The saint, who traveled throughout Europe (symbolized by the globe) trying to convert the Albigensians, in southern France, wears the uniform of the order: White cassock and scapular, black cloak and hood. Beside him, the dog with a lit torch in his mouth recalls the dream that Domenico's mother had in which it was announced that she would give birth to a son destined to become famous. Another explanation for the presence of the dog, more convincing, is the pun in the name of the saint, Domini canis, “dog of God”. The other saint in prayer is Francesco di Asissi (1182-1226), founder of the order of the Friars Minor, or Franciscans. The saints symbolize the two types of monasticism; the active and the contemplative. The painting, in warm tones with flickering brushstrokes, can be dated to the sixth decade when Francesco worked in the workshop of the major brother Antonio.
Ref: Dario Succi GUARDI 2021, pp. 32-33. Oil on canvas, 41 x 22,2 cm