Artibus et Historiae no. 16 (VIII)

1987, ISSN 0391-9064

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JÓZEF GRABSKI - The Corsini Flagellation Group by Alessandro Algardi

Based on the analysis of the recently rediscovered Corsini Flagellation group, till now known only from older literature, this paper reconsiders the authorship of the different versions of this, in the past highly regarded and often executed, three-figure group. Art historians which studied the different versions in the past (Planiscig, Schlosser, Nava Cellini, up to Jennifer Montagu) attributed various figures alternatively to two sculptors: A. Algardi or F. du Quesnoy.

Jennifer Montagu in both her studies on the problem (1967 and 1985) proposed a hypothesis that some figures are by Algardi (e.g. the so-called type "B"), and other version (e.g., type "B"), by both authors, Algardi and du Quesnoy. Reconsidering the old problem of two authors in the light of the newly rediscovered work, the author's opinion is that there is the same basic conception underlying all known examples. The different versions seem to reflect inner struggles in the creative process of the same artist, Alessandro Algardi, who attempts different approaches to the theme, in search of the best possible solution. He also offers to patrons and goldsmiths a possible choice of castings to fit the varying demands, both commercial and aesthetic, of the market.