Venus At Her Toilet Francesco Albani (bologna 1578–1660) A Follower Of
Artist: Francesco Albani (bologne 1578 - 1660) Suiveur De
Venus at Her Toilet
Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660)
Follower of
Oil on canvas
64 x 96 cm. Framed: 83 x 121 cm.
A disciple of Annibale Carracci, Albani contributed significantly to the spread of Bolognese classicism, offering an interpretation that, in the latter part of his career, took on a more idyllic tone and catered to the more intimate tastes of his patrons. It is for this reason, in fact, that the most intense and productive aspect of Albani’s workshop is to be found in mythological paintings such as the one presented here, rather than in those with religious themes.
The composition in question, in particular, draws inspiration from the painting commissioned in 1621 by Ferdinando Gonzaga, sixth Duke of Mantua, for his residence ‘Villa Favorita’; after the nobleman’s death, the work was sold in 1633 to the Medici family of Florence, and later entered the collections of the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it remains today
(https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010062295). [1]
The Mantua canvas is part of a cycle of four works depicting episodes from the life of Venus, here immortalized as she sits on the shores of a lake in front of a magnificent palace and prepares herself to seduce Adonis.
Other relevant works include the series of the four seasons created for Prince Borghese a few years earlier (see Spring: https://www.collezionegalleriaborghese.it/opere/toletta-di-venere-la-primavera): here too, the underlying theme of the works revolved around the loves of the gods, and in particular the rivalry between the two goddesses Diana and Venus, a conflict reflecting the struggle between the virtue of chastity and the vice of sensual love: this subject was hugely popular among collectors of the time.
Seventeenth-century classicism produced idealized, ethereal, and idyllic works of art, inspired by the great Renaissance masters such as Raphael and Titian and often dealing with themes from ancient repertoire and classical mythology.
In our painting, we can admire the beautiful Venus gazing at her reflection, seated half-naked on her throne flanked by the three Graces.
Finally, the scene, set in a lush garden adorned with gushing fountains featuring classical sculptures and architecture, is dotted with a myriad of winged Cupids and playful cherubs who enliven the scene in a lively, disorderly manner, playing with the fruits of the earth, heralding the reawakening of nature and the arrival of spring.
[1] Francesco Albani (Bologna, 1578–1660), La Toilette de Vénus (oil on canvas, 2 x 2.5 m.) Musée du Louvre (Museum URL https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010062295)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold complete with a beautiful 19th-century gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.
If you would like to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you! Please contact us for any information or to arrange a visit; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660)
Follower of
Oil on canvas
64 x 96 cm. Framed: 83 x 121 cm.
Full details of the work (click HERE)
The painting on offer, depicting ‘Venus at Her Toilet,’ is attributed to a master active between the 17th and 18th centuries who was trained in the stylistic and compositional examples of the Bolognese artist Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660).A disciple of Annibale Carracci, Albani contributed significantly to the spread of Bolognese classicism, offering an interpretation that, in the latter part of his career, took on a more idyllic tone and catered to the more intimate tastes of his patrons. It is for this reason, in fact, that the most intense and productive aspect of Albani’s workshop is to be found in mythological paintings such as the one presented here, rather than in those with religious themes.
The composition in question, in particular, draws inspiration from the painting commissioned in 1621 by Ferdinando Gonzaga, sixth Duke of Mantua, for his residence ‘Villa Favorita’; after the nobleman’s death, the work was sold in 1633 to the Medici family of Florence, and later entered the collections of the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it remains today
(https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010062295). [1]
The Mantua canvas is part of a cycle of four works depicting episodes from the life of Venus, here immortalized as she sits on the shores of a lake in front of a magnificent palace and prepares herself to seduce Adonis.
Other relevant works include the series of the four seasons created for Prince Borghese a few years earlier (see Spring: https://www.collezionegalleriaborghese.it/opere/toletta-di-venere-la-primavera): here too, the underlying theme of the works revolved around the loves of the gods, and in particular the rivalry between the two goddesses Diana and Venus, a conflict reflecting the struggle between the virtue of chastity and the vice of sensual love: this subject was hugely popular among collectors of the time.
Seventeenth-century classicism produced idealized, ethereal, and idyllic works of art, inspired by the great Renaissance masters such as Raphael and Titian and often dealing with themes from ancient repertoire and classical mythology.
In our painting, we can admire the beautiful Venus gazing at her reflection, seated half-naked on her throne flanked by the three Graces.
Finally, the scene, set in a lush garden adorned with gushing fountains featuring classical sculptures and architecture, is dotted with a myriad of winged Cupids and playful cherubs who enliven the scene in a lively, disorderly manner, playing with the fruits of the earth, heralding the reawakening of nature and the arrival of spring.
[1] Francesco Albani (Bologna, 1578–1660), La Toilette de Vénus (oil on canvas, 2 x 2.5 m.) Musée du Louvre (Museum URL https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010062295)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold complete with a beautiful 19th-century gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.
If you would like to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you! Please contact us for any information or to arrange a visit; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
7 700 €
Period: 17th century
Style: Louis 14th, Regency
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting
Width: encadré 121 cm.
Height: encadré 83 cm.
Reference (ID): 1756546
Availability: In stock
Print
