Grandmother's Tales By Michele Lenzi (italian, 1834–1886)

“Grandma's Stories”, this genre painting was executed in 1863 by Italian good listed painter Michele Lenzi (1834 – 1886). It is illustrated in on-line Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. He was born and resided in Bagnoli Irpino in the province of Avellino. He painted in oil, water color, and pastels, and was prolific in exhibitions. He is one of the painters to emerge as disciple of members of the School of Posillipo. Many of his works are in exhibit at the town art gallery of his birthplace, where he served as mayor. He was a close friend of the painter Achille Martelli. In 1877 in Naples, he displayed La farfalla attorno al lume; Un ospizio sugli altipiani del Monte Saceno, and some painted majolica. At Turin, in 1880: Un ponte sul Cadore presso Bagnoli Irpino; Bagnoli suit; Costume di Calabria; and Effecto di luna. Among his other works are paintings on: I rudimenti della calzetta; Costume della Terra di Iavoro; animali; Donne della Campania.

Literature: Art Dictionaries by Thieme/Becker, Leipzig, 1999; Comanducci III, 1972; PittItalOttoc II, 1991.
Inscription: signed and dated M. Lenzi 1863, lower right.
Technique: oil on canvas. Beautiful original period frame.
Measurements: unframed w 32 3/4" xh 26 1/2" (83 x 67.5 cm), framed w 39 1/3" xh 33 1/4" (100 x 84.5 cm)
Condition: in very good condition