Pittura, iconografia e spiritualità: l’affresco di Antonio Giuseppe Santagata al Santuario genovese di Nostra Signora della Guardia (1963-1967)

This paper investigates the fresco painted by Antonio Giuseppe Santagata on the central vault of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Guardia in Ceranesi, completed between 1963 and 1967. It offers an in-depth examination of bibliographic material and unpublished documents from the artist’s personal archive, preserved at the Biblioteca Civica “Niccolò Cuneo” in Camogli. The research methodology includes the analysis of correspondence, preparatory sketches, and Santagata’s personal notes to accurately outline the genesis and structure of the work. A key focus of the investigation is the iconographic reading of the painting, which delves into the symbolic and theological meanings inherent in the composition. This contribution represents the first structured study dedicated to Santagata’s work within the Marian sanctuary, examining both his stylistic choices and the spiritual intentions behind his creative process.