Lake Maggiore, View Of The Castles Of Cannero, Signed Vittorio Piano, Early 20th Century.

Lake Maggiore, View of the Castles of Cannero, Signed Vittorio Piano, Early 20th century.

• Artist: Vittorio Augusto Piano (1882–1970). Signed lower left "Vitt. Piano".
• Period: Early 20th century.
• Technique: Pastel.
• Dimensions: Diameter with frame 95 cm, without frame 73 cm.
• Condition: Excellent. The work is presented in a monumental original frame made of gilded wood and stucco with classical decoration featuring laurel friezes, covered with a splendid authentic patina.

Description of the work:

The work is a lyrical landscape depicting the medieval ruins of the Castles of Cannero on Lake Maggiore, in Italy. The painting is executed in the rare circular (tondo) format.

The Symbolist atmosphere, the graphic silhouettes, and a mauve color palette with Decadentist undertones create a truly unique atmosphere. The artist employs a technique akin to Divisionism, a rare choice for pastel painting. The artist may have drawn inspiration from Arnold Böcklin’s famous Symbolist work, “The Isle of the Dead.”

Biographical note on the artist:

Vittorio Augusto Piano (1882, Turin – 1970, Turin) was an Italian painter and graphic artist. The artist actively participated in the regional art exhibition scene: in particular, his works were officially exhibited in Turin in 1927 as part of the specialized exhibition organized by the “Società Giovane Montagna.”

Among the artist’s verified museum holdings: a series of official portraits he painted for members of the Savoy royal dynasty (King Victor Emmanuel III and Queen Elena) is now included in the General Catalog of Cultural Heritage of the Italian State and is housed in the halls of the Ducal Castle of Agliè in Turin.