Pair Of Allegorical Compositions From The Late 18th Century

A pair of allegorical compositions, Genoese school, late 18th century. Tempera in sepia monochrome within later painted and gilded wooden frames. This pair of paintings exquisitely illustrates the Neoclassical taste that developed in Genoa during the last third of the 18th century. The compositions depict female figures inspired by antiquity, rendered with great elegance, characteristic of the Ligurian tradition. The tempera technique, particularly prized in wall decorations and ornamental ensembles, lends the works a delicate matte finish and great precision of drawing. The graceful poses, the fluidity of the drapery, and the expressive restraint of the figures testify to a visual culture nourished by both the Baroque heritage and the new Neoclassical ideals. This type of allegorical composition was intended to adorn woodwork, drawing rooms, or overdoors.