Description:

Western Europe, Italy, Neoclassical period, ca. late 18th century CE. A breathtaking gouache on vellum leaf of a Grand Tour folding fan skillfully hand-painted in the manner of Roman (or Pompeiian) Fourth style wall painting - a fresco style characterized as Baroque that rose in popularity between 60 and 79 CE. Reminiscent of the frescos in Nero's Domus Aurea in Rome and the House of Octavius Quartio in Pompeii, the folding fan features a trio of framed scenes: 2 landscapes and a central tondo of nude Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty (Greek Aphrodite), with her son Cupid, the Roman god of love (Greek Eros). Venus sits on a cloud seemingly directing Cupid whom he should direct his arrow towards. The Temple of the Sibyl (or Temple of Vesta) at Tivoli is shown to the left, while the Temple of Vesta in Rome is on the right. Size of leaf: 19.75" W x 5.5" H (50.2 cm x 14 cm); of frame: 25.75" W x 15" H (65.4 cm x 38.1 cm)

All are separated by symmetrical wall decorations of fantastical human figures whose spiraling hands and legs change to meandering vines and scrolling floral motifs, each beneath a tromp l'oeil niche with a hanging garland and wreath. The tondos are each surrounded by blue frames of vegetal motifs, while a border of peacocks at a fountain and coiling phytomorphic designs.

Provenance: private Rancho Mirage, California, USA collection, by inheritance in 2020; ex-Dr. TDR Berreth, California, USA, acquired before 1982

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#179089

  • Condition: Leaf only; missing monture. A few tears to top periphery, as well as folds to vellum and hairline fissures to gouache, all commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, leaf is mostly intact and has an impressive presentation with nice remaining pigments. Fit in a modern wood frame with suspension wire on verso for display. Two small tears to gallery paper on verso. Has not been examined outside of frame.

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August 25, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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