Modena, St. Charles College:
The Borders' Chapel

Modena, Fondazione Collegio S. Carlo: the Convittori Chapel. At the center of the chapel is the painting “Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple” by Antonio Consetti. Within a gilded frame, the Virgin Mary as a child ascends the temple steps to be welcomed by the priest, in the upper right. Saint Anne, Joachim, and other figures look on in contemplation. The background is a cloudy sky with cherubs. Antonio was the official painter of the Este court, serving for which he served from 1720 to 1762, succeeding his father as Superintendent of the ducal collections. He also held a nude painting school in his own residence with the ducal approval; his classicist and unpretentious style brought him great success in his lifetime and beyond.