Venus Sleeping, With Satyrs And Cupids, Follower Of Francesco Albani (1578-1660)

Artist: Italian School (XVIII), School of Francesco Albani (1578-1660)

Title: Venus Sleeping, with Satyrs and Cupids

Period: 18th Century circa 1700-1750

Medium: Oil on canvas

Provenance. From a private Surrey (UK) collection

Overall size with the frame 82cm x 65cm x 4cm and the painting itself measured at 74cm x 66cm

Description:

A very decorative and atmospheric 18th century oil on canvas painting which we believe to be from the Italian School (see later notes) depicting an Italianate landscape within which rests Venus attended by a Cupid.

This scene depicted in this painting is historically identified as either Jupiter seducing Antiope or a Satyr spying on a sleeping Venus and Cupid. In this instance the characters are identifiable as Venus who is sleeping, accompanied by Cupid, and representing earthly love. The scene, taken from mythology, is said to present the contrast between sacred and profane love. To the left of the painting, a smiling satyr-like creature, is depicted gazing with delight at the nude, sleeping Venus with the infant Cupid, identified by the bow and arrow at the feet, lying beside her.

The composition and structure of this particular work, along with the technique, colouring, and the stylistic execution of the figures, landscape, and material, in addition to the theatrical character of the work point to the hand of an artist familiar with the work of Francesco Albani.

A work of similar composition, tonality, and technique is in the collection of The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The work, Venus and Cupid in a Landscape, is listed as being Francesco Albani (1578–1660) (school of). It is an exceptional work of significant academic and historical significance that would be a wonderful addition to a museum or private collection.

The present work is beautifully and strategically composed with multiple narrative arcs throughout the canvas. Extensive research suggests that this is an original composition that shows potential influence from a number of possible sources. It is executed in a masterly manner and with the sort of technical skill and expertise that would ascribe authorship to a particularly well trained and talented hand.

Biography:

Francesco Albani was an Italian Baroque painter who worked in Bologna, Rome, and other cities. He painted frescoes, mythological and religious scenes, and cabinet pictures in a sweet and elegant style. He started his training at the age of 12 in the studio of Denis Calvaert and then moved to the more prestigious Carracci Academy, where he received his first public commissions.

The style of his early works shows the strong influence of Ludovico Carracci. In the early 1600s Albani moved to Rome with his friend and fellow painter Guido Reni. In the following years he and Domenichino worked for Annibale Carracci. Albani's later works featured increasing numbers of cupids and cherubs, allegedly modelled on his own children (he had twelve).

The painting has historically been labelled as French and 18th century but our broad interpretation of the work with considerable cross-reference suggest to us that an Italian School attribution is more appropriate, although we accept this is open to interpretation.

Condition report: The painting has been cleaned and there are some areas of colour strengthening which in our opinion are well blended. Lined approximately 100-120 years ago judging by methodology etc. the canvas is in good tension. There is craquelure through (see photos) commensurate with the painting's antiquity. The paint surface is very stable from close examination. We think the frame might be early 19th century and this had been recently refurbished and presents nicely for display. The frame is offered as a gift (see below notes regarding frames).

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Note:

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