Cupids At Play With Venus’s Chariot, Francesco Albani (bologna 1578–1660) Workshop
Artist: Atelier De Francesco Albani (bologne, 1578 - 1660)
Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660) workshop
Cupids at Play Amusing Themselves with Venus’s Chariot
Oil on canvas
56 x 165 cm.
Framed 63 x 172 cm.
Full details of the work (click HERE)
The painting depicts a festive mythological scene with numerous cherubs engaged in an allegorical game, captured as they hold the reins of Venus’s chariot—golden and richly decorated—an emblem and symbol of the triumph of love and beauty.
Seated triumphantly on the chariot is Cupid, recognizable by his bow and the quiver he carries on his shoulder, pulled by other small cherubs and winged cupids, who move in a sort of procession or dance, expressing an atmosphere of festive joy.
To the right of the scene, a cherub runs with his head turned toward the chariot, trying to pull it along by means of a thin blue ribbon, while his companion, who should be assisting him at his side, has fallen to the ground and is in despair, adding a touch of spontaneity to the composition.
Stylistically, the work evokes the Emilian Baroque and, in particular, the compositions of the Bolognese painter Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660), famous for his allegorical scenes teeming with cherubs and known for the grace of his mythological scenes immersed in the idyll of nature. Notable is the composition titled ‘The Dance of the Cupids’ (https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0300180187), created by Albani and now in the Brera Art Gallery, a work that has always enjoyed extraordinary critical and public acclaim, and was certainly taken as a source of inspiration by the author of our work.
Looking more closely at the work, the children’s naked bodies stand out thanks to a skillful use of light against a dark, wooded background. Although it is difficult to make a precise attribution among the numerous pupils of Albani’s prolific workshop, we can note that our canvas is distinguished by a very refined technique, a careful and fluid hand, capable of delving into details and maintaining a clear color palette.
In Renaissance and Baroque art, the iconographic choice of the Chariot of Venus is traditionally associated with the triumph of Love over all things. The happy, carefree cherubs praising Cupid for having fulfilled his mission symbolized the overwhelming power of romantic love, profane love, and the protection of the new union.
It is therefore plausible that our painting, given its symbolic value, was commissioned as a betrothal gift or wedding present, intended for the couple’s bedroom.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with an attractive gilded frame, a certificate of authenticity, and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
Please contact us, with no obligation, for any additional information.
Follow us on:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
Cupids at Play Amusing Themselves with Venus’s Chariot
Oil on canvas
56 x 165 cm.
Framed 63 x 172 cm.
Full details of the work (click HERE)
The painting depicts a festive mythological scene with numerous cherubs engaged in an allegorical game, captured as they hold the reins of Venus’s chariot—golden and richly decorated—an emblem and symbol of the triumph of love and beauty.
Seated triumphantly on the chariot is Cupid, recognizable by his bow and the quiver he carries on his shoulder, pulled by other small cherubs and winged cupids, who move in a sort of procession or dance, expressing an atmosphere of festive joy.
To the right of the scene, a cherub runs with his head turned toward the chariot, trying to pull it along by means of a thin blue ribbon, while his companion, who should be assisting him at his side, has fallen to the ground and is in despair, adding a touch of spontaneity to the composition.
Stylistically, the work evokes the Emilian Baroque and, in particular, the compositions of the Bolognese painter Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660), famous for his allegorical scenes teeming with cherubs and known for the grace of his mythological scenes immersed in the idyll of nature. Notable is the composition titled ‘The Dance of the Cupids’ (https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0300180187), created by Albani and now in the Brera Art Gallery, a work that has always enjoyed extraordinary critical and public acclaim, and was certainly taken as a source of inspiration by the author of our work.
Looking more closely at the work, the children’s naked bodies stand out thanks to a skillful use of light against a dark, wooded background. Although it is difficult to make a precise attribution among the numerous pupils of Albani’s prolific workshop, we can note that our canvas is distinguished by a very refined technique, a careful and fluid hand, capable of delving into details and maintaining a clear color palette.
In Renaissance and Baroque art, the iconographic choice of the Chariot of Venus is traditionally associated with the triumph of Love over all things. The happy, carefree cherubs praising Cupid for having fulfilled his mission symbolized the overwhelming power of romantic love, profane love, and the protection of the new union.
It is therefore plausible that our painting, given its symbolic value, was commissioned as a betrothal gift or wedding present, intended for the couple’s bedroom.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with an attractive gilded frame, a certificate of authenticity, and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
Please contact us, with no obligation, for any additional information.
Follow us on:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
11 000 €
Period: 17th century
Style: Louis 15th - Transition
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting
Width: encadré 172 cm.
Height: encadré 63 cm.
Reference (ID): 1753604
Availability: In stock
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