Florence -Rome, 1666 -1724 · Roman refinement at the gates of Rococo

From the meditative reading of Saint Catherine to Christ's dialogue with the Samaritan woman, Benedetto Luti favors refined color, transparent light and the intelligence of gesture.

Benedetto Luti was born in Florence in 1666 and died in Rome in 1724. Trained in Florentine taste, he settled in the pontifical capital and became one of the main Roman painters of his generation, alongside Francesco Trevisani and Sebastiano Conca. Student of Carlo Maratta, academician, collector, connoisseur and head of a sought-after workshop, he combines classical drawing, light touch and refined color in a language that announces rococo. Saint Catherine, dated between the second half of the 17th century and the first quarter of the 18th century, is attributed to him: Saint Catherine, dated between the second half of the 17th century and the first quarter of the 18th century, is attributed to him: Saint Catherine, dated between the second half of the 17th century and the first quarter of the 18th century, is attributed to him: Saint Catherine, dated between the second half of the 17th century and the first quarter of the 18th century, is attributed to him: Saint Catherine, dated between the second half of the 17th century and the first quarter of the 18th century, is attributed to him: florentine and Carlo Dolci. Christ and the Samaritan woman, painted around 1715 -1720 in oil on copper, measures 38.2 × 30.9 cm. The expensive support and the precious finish make it an autonomous work, possibly linked to Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni. The dialogue at the well expresses the universality of Christ's message through calm and luminous eloquence. The "Benedetto Luti" selection notably compares Saint Catherine and Christ and the Samaritan woman. Its reading favors the story.

Luti transforms erudition into brilliance: a book, a look or a hand are enough to circulate thought in color.