
Gaulli executed his first major commission, of four large frescoes for the Pamphili family, between 1666 and 1672 in the church of Sant’Agnese in the Piazza Navona, Rome. When the original artist chosen for the project died, Gaulli was one of several invited to take over the work, and this appears to be one of his early studies for the project. It depicts saints and angels seated among the clouds, an illusionistic scene intended to connect the heavenly realm with the world of the faithful.

Flora
Giovanni Battista Gaulli, called Il Baciccio Italian, 1639-1709

Standing Franciscan Saint Holding Crucifix
Giovanni Battista Gaulli, called Il Baciccio Italian, 1639-1709

The Death of St. Francis Xavier
Attributed to Veronica Stern (Italian, 1717–1801) After Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Italian, 1639–1709)