Valentino Marra - The Embrace

In this beautiful hand-colored lithograph, artist Valentino Marra creates a subject celebrating the transition from the pontificate of Benedict XVI to that of Pope Francis. The two figures, clearly recognizable in the artist's perfect portraits, of Bergoglio and Ratzinger, are united in an imaginary embrace, suggesting a continuity of purpose between the two papacies in the work of evangelization. The scene takes on a markedly symbolic and spiritual dimension, elevated from reality to be transfigured into a timeless and spaceless dimension. The setting is decontextualized, and everything unfolds in a space filled with light. The only point of reference allowed by the artist is the fresco depicting the Last Supper in the background.

Even when he temporarily abandons his explorations of pop icons to focus on other subjects, Valentino Marra's style remains distinctive. Marra begins with the image of the two popes, extolling their plastic qualities, highlighting their volume through an almost sculptural texture and a hyperrealistic, photographic reproduction. From here, the artist's colorful universe unfolds. The two figures emit luminous vibrations that translate into flowing colors that invade the space of the work. In this hand-retouched graphic, however, Marra leans toward a more traditional approach to the religious subject. The scene is created with a very classical and traditional figurative language, in which the artist stands out for his excellent naturalistic rendering.

Valentino Marra, painter and sculptor, was born in Martano in 1956. He has exhibited his work in numerous shows in Italy and abroad, achieving considerable public and critical acclaim. He has created several altarpieces, but his work is primarily associated with reproductions of female icons, which are included in numerous public and private collections.

The transaction takes place with maximum security for both the seller and the buyer. We take care of the conformity (provenance, authenticity, state of conservation) of the work and handle the shipping.
Returns are possible no later than 14 days after receiving the order.