The Allegory Of Europe, Francesco Solimena (naples 1657–1747), Workshop/circle
Artist: Francesco Solimena (canale Di Serino 1657 - Barra 1747) Atelier/cercle
Francesco Solimena (Canale di Serino 1657 – Barra 1747) workshop/circle
The Allegory of Europe
oil on canvas
102 x 76 cm. - with frame: 119 x 92 cm.
The work, dating to the early 18th century, depicts a subject conceived by Solimena that went on to enjoy great success: it is the Allegory of Europe, which, together with three other compositions—specifically the allegories of Asia, Africa, and America—belonged to the series of personifications of the “Four Parts of the World” that Francesco Solimena painted in 1738.
Originally executed as frescoes, they were conceived to decorate the private chamber of Charles III of the House of Bourbon in the Royal Palace of Naples and painted to celebrate his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony.
The focal point of the depiction in our painting is the female figure, depicted with regal attributes, seated with an imperious air while holding a model of an architectural structure (a temple) in her left hand, assisted by a cherub, while with her other hand she points to a crown and a papal tiara, resting on a pedestal bearing the name “Europa.”
Of these architectural works, which were lost in the fire that destroyed the apartments in 1837, several study versions have been preserved, many of which are oval in shape, such as the four canvases now housed at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery in Rome (http://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/66616/Solimena%20Francesco%2C%20Allegoria%20del...), and traditionally regarded as preparatory sketches for the fresco. Other paintings are held in private collections or have appeared on the art market:
- Berlin, Alte Nationalgalerie
- Hazlitt Gallery, London (United Kingdom), reported in 1960: http://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/fotografia/119503/Anonimo%20-%20Anonymous%20Neapolitan%...
- Sotheby’s, New York, May 26, 2022: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/master-paintings-and-drawings-part-ii/allegories-of-the...
This particular canvas is undoubtedly the work of an artist from Solimena’s workshop or, at any rate, from his inner circle: an examination of the painting technique reveals a rapid application of paint, typical of small-scale studies, and an analysis of the crackle patina would also suggest a contemporary date and, therefore, a likely origin in the master’s workshop.
The painting offered here can in fact be compared to the prototype preserved in the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, although the composition is mirror-inverted, and could therefore be another version executed with some variations by a student from his studio. In what was then the capital of the Austrian viceroyalty, Solimena established a prestigious workshop where some of the greatest painters of 18th-century Naples were trained.
The painting is in good condition.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with an attractive frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, 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, located at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!
Please contact us for any information; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
The Allegory of Europe
oil on canvas
102 x 76 cm. - with frame: 119 x 92 cm.
The work, dating to the early 18th century, depicts a subject conceived by Solimena that went on to enjoy great success: it is the Allegory of Europe, which, together with three other compositions—specifically the allegories of Asia, Africa, and America—belonged to the series of personifications of the “Four Parts of the World” that Francesco Solimena painted in 1738.
Originally executed as frescoes, they were conceived to decorate the private chamber of Charles III of the House of Bourbon in the Royal Palace of Naples and painted to celebrate his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony.
The focal point of the depiction in our painting is the female figure, depicted with regal attributes, seated with an imperious air while holding a model of an architectural structure (a temple) in her left hand, assisted by a cherub, while with her other hand she points to a crown and a papal tiara, resting on a pedestal bearing the name “Europa.”
Of these architectural works, which were lost in the fire that destroyed the apartments in 1837, several study versions have been preserved, many of which are oval in shape, such as the four canvases now housed at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery in Rome (http://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/66616/Solimena%20Francesco%2C%20Allegoria%20del...), and traditionally regarded as preparatory sketches for the fresco. Other paintings are held in private collections or have appeared on the art market:
- Berlin, Alte Nationalgalerie
- Hazlitt Gallery, London (United Kingdom), reported in 1960: http://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/fotografia/119503/Anonimo%20-%20Anonymous%20Neapolitan%...
- Sotheby’s, New York, May 26, 2022: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/master-paintings-and-drawings-part-ii/allegories-of-the...
This particular canvas is undoubtedly the work of an artist from Solimena’s workshop or, at any rate, from his inner circle: an examination of the painting technique reveals a rapid application of paint, typical of small-scale studies, and an analysis of the crackle patina would also suggest a contemporary date and, therefore, a likely origin in the master’s workshop.
The painting offered here can in fact be compared to the prototype preserved in the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, although the composition is mirror-inverted, and could therefore be another version executed with some variations by a student from his studio. In what was then the capital of the Austrian viceroyalty, Solimena established a prestigious workshop where some of the greatest painters of 18th-century Naples were trained.
The painting is in good condition.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with an attractive frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, 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, located at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!
Please contact us for any information; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
6 900 €
Period: 18th century
Style: Louis 15th - Transition
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting
Width: encadré 92 cm.
Height: encadré 119 cm.
Reference (ID): 1841598
Availability: In stock
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