Pair Of Studies Of Italian Peasants In Traditional Costume - Oil On Canvas - 19th Century

EUROPEAN SCHOOL
Pair of studies of Italian peasants in traditional costume
Oil on canvas marouflaged on rough boards
Equivalent measurements for the 2 works: 24 × 16.5 cm - With frame: 29 × 21.5 cm
Very good condition

The first study depicts a seated young peasant woman, dressed in the traditional costume of central Italy: white, tasseled headdress, puff-sleeved shirt, brown bodice with embroidery and ornate belt, dark skirt over which is tied a black apron with polychrome floral stripes. Her head resting on her hand in a pose of gentle melancholy, her gaze downcast, she is set against a warm brown background.

The second depicts a peasant seated three-quarters of the way up, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a white shirt, a red vest and a brown jacket, arms crossed; his white laced gaiters and work breeches complete a contadino costume characteristic of Central or Southern Italy. The neutral gray background highlights the figure with an academic economy of means.

These two au naturel studies are part of the long tradition of studies of models in Italian folk costume, a common practice in Roman and Neapolitan studios, as well as among French, Nordic and German painters visiting Italy throughout the 19th century. Unfinished by nature, they are seductive precisely because of their spontaneity: the gesture is direct, the grasp of the motif immediate, without the primer that the definitive painting would have imposed.

Some discreet retouching, good overall condition.
Visible pitting on the back of the panels, not active.
Modern frames, gilded beading, some gilding rework.

Sold as a pair.

Works on view at the gallery (07240).
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