Italian School , XVIII century
Italian School,
Oil on canvas,
Second half of the 18th century
Height: 130cm
Width: 135cm
Depth: 5cm
A finely executed painted canvas panel.
At the centre, within an octagonal egg-and-dart frame, stands a classical female figure representing Ceres, goddess of agriculture and the harvest, holding a sheaf of wheat and a sickle. The figure is painted in an en grisaille palette to imitate sculpted relief.
The surrounding field is composed of elaborate arabesques, with scrolling acanthus, suspended floral swags and ornamental motifs that echo carved and gilded stucco work. The handling is particularly strong - crisp, deliberate highlights create a convincing sense of depth and material contrast against the soft ground.
The palette is restrained and warm, built around soft pinks, ochres and muted gilded tones.
The canvas has been relined and re-stretched. Minor restorations are visible - please enquire for a full condition report.
Dealer’s Comment:
I’ve always liked the theatrical quality of en grisaille - it creates a real sense of depth and sculpture. The handling here is particularly strong; the highlights and shadows across the arabesques are carefully controlled to give the impression of three-dimensional, carved architecture. It’s a genuinely very skilled piece of painting.
Oil on canvas,
Second half of the 18th century
Height: 130cm
Width: 135cm
Depth: 5cm
A finely executed painted canvas panel.
At the centre, within an octagonal egg-and-dart frame, stands a classical female figure representing Ceres, goddess of agriculture and the harvest, holding a sheaf of wheat and a sickle. The figure is painted in an en grisaille palette to imitate sculpted relief.
The surrounding field is composed of elaborate arabesques, with scrolling acanthus, suspended floral swags and ornamental motifs that echo carved and gilded stucco work. The handling is particularly strong - crisp, deliberate highlights create a convincing sense of depth and material contrast against the soft ground.
The palette is restrained and warm, built around soft pinks, ochres and muted gilded tones.
The canvas has been relined and re-stretched. Minor restorations are visible - please enquire for a full condition report.
Dealer’s Comment:
I’ve always liked the theatrical quality of en grisaille - it creates a real sense of depth and sculpture. The handling here is particularly strong; the highlights and shadows across the arabesques are carefully controlled to give the impression of three-dimensional, carved architecture. It’s a genuinely very skilled piece of painting.
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