Apotheosis of Saint Carlo Borromeo - Cesare Ferreri

A detailed lithograph by Cesare Ferreri depicting the Apotheosis of Saint Carlo Borromeo, featuring a celestial scene of divine light and religious devotion.

This lithograph by Cesare Ferreri depicts the Apotheosis of Saint Carlo Borromeo, a subject rooted in the Counter-Reformation iconography of Milan. The composition follows a traditional hierarchical arrangement, placing the divine figures at the apex and the saint in a position of veneration below. At the top, a radiant Christ figure presides over the celestial scene, surrounded by clouds and cherubim. Below, Saint Carlo Borromeo is shown in prayer, his gaze directed upward toward the divine light. To the left, a seated bishop figure, likely Saint Ambrose, holds an open book, providing a secondary anchor for the theological narrative. The lower portion of the print is populated by putti, who interact with the clouds and the saint's vestments, adding a sense of movement to the otherwise static, devotional scene.

Ferreri employs a range of tonal values to create a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. The light source appears to emanate from the figure of Christ, casting soft shadows across the faces and drapery of the surrounding figures. The lithographic technique allows for smooth transitions between light and dark, which is particularly effective in the rendering of the clouds and the ethereal quality of the celestial space. The inclusion of the Latin inscription 'humilitas' on a tablet held by a putto refers to the motto of the Borromeo family, which was central to the saint's public identity and personal piety. The print is finished with a formal dedication at the bottom, typical of nineteenth-century commemorative prints intended for private collections or ecclesiastical distribution. The work reflects the academic training of the period, prioritising clarity of form and balanced composition to convey its religious message.