Antonio Vivaldi
This painting refers to the first Aria of Antonio Vivaldi's ‘Nulla in mundo pax sincera’.
This painting refers to the first Aria of Antonio Vivaldi's ‘Nulla in mundo pax sincera’. 'Nulla in mundo pax sincera' is a sacred motet (RV630) crafted by the renowned composer Antonio Vivaldi in the year 1735, set to an anonymous Latin verse. During the 18th century, a motet was distinctly defined as a sacred vocal composition featuring non-liturgical Latin text.
The title of this particular motet can be interpreted as 'In this world, genuine peace is absent' or 'True peace in this world is marred by bitterness.' Vivaldi designed his motets as showcase pieces for the talented female musicians of the Figlie di Coro at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice. This specific composition was tailored for a soprano possessing an exceptionally high vocal range, spanning from E above middle C to the B a twelfth higher, making it one of the most captivating among Vivaldi's early motets created for the Pietà.
'Nulla in mundo pax sincera' comprises three distinct sections: Aria, Recitative, Aria, and culminates with a resounding Alleluia. This artwork is part of a larger series of four pieces.
Artist’s description
This painting refers to the first Aria of ‘Nulla in mundo pax sincera’. The text of this motet reflects in my opinion the world we are living today. But as this motet was written in 1735 and based on an anonymous Latin text, which could even be older, one may ask oneselves whether humankind has made much progress. Food for thought!
Aria
Nulla in mundo pax sincera
sine felle; pura et vera,
dulcis Jesu, est in te.
Inter poenas et tormenta
vivit anima contenta
casti amoris sola spe.
---
In this world there is no honest peace
free from bitterness; pure and true (i.e. peace)
sweet Jesus, lies in Thee.
Amidst punishment and torment
lives the contented soul,
chaste love its only hope.
Details
Oil on Claessens linen, laid on wood
Original artwork by André Romijn
Size: 37.5 × 30 cm
Size hand-made frame 52 x 45 cm
Autograph on front – signed verso
Created: 2021
More info, click here!