SOLIMENA Francesco Saint Cajetan Appeasing Divine Anger Francesco Solimena (1657-1747)

The composition presents a dynamic and crowded celestial scene, dominated by swirling clouds and a vibrant palette of blues, golds, and pinks. A central figure, dressed in a dark monastic habit, is positioned at the lower right edge of the canvas, his hands raised in what appears to be an act of supplication or intercession. He gazes upwards towards a tumultuous gathering of angelic figures.
Several angels populate the upper portion of the painting. One angel prominently features on the left side, poised mid-flight and blowing a trumpet with considerable force. The instrument’s sound seems to reverberate through the composition, contributing to the overall sense of dramatic tension. Another angel, positioned on the right, appears to be descending or rising, its body draped in flowing robes that echo the swirling movement of the clouds.
Surrounding these celestial beings are numerous smaller figures – likely cherubs or putti – engaged in various activities. Some appear to be gesturing towards the central figure below, while others seem to be actively participating in a scene of divine judgment or punishment. One group is depicted wielding what look like flaming torches, suggesting an element of wrath or retribution.
The artist has employed a loose and expressive brushstroke throughout, creating a sense of movement and energy that permeates the entire work. The lighting is dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and shadow emphasizing the figures’ forms and contributing to the overall theatricality of the scene. The composition suggests a narrative moment – perhaps an intervention by a mortal figure to avert divine punishment or to plead for mercy on behalf of humanity. The subtext hints at themes of repentance, redemption, and the power of intercessory prayer within a religious context. The chaotic arrangement of figures and the turbulent sky suggest that the situation is precarious, with the outcome hanging in the balance.