Master of Reflections, second half of the 18th century, genre scene

Master of Reflections, Second half of the 18th century Genre scene Oil on canvas, 44 x 74 cm Expertise Prof. Giancarlo Sestieri The work in question depicts a scene of Venetian life, set in a living room with a sofa in the background and on the right an old servant tending a brazier, next to which a little girl is sitting; on the left, however, is represented the episode on which it is hinged: an elegantly dressed lady, who puts her index finger on her mouth, to ask for silence, takes a letter or a sheet from the crossed leg of a gentleman - certainly a nobleman judging by his refined clothing - who, sitting on an armchair with his right elbow resting on a console and his left hand tucked into his waistcoat, has fallen asleep, perhaps distracted by the lady who observes him from behind. The episode is perfectly aligned with the varied vision of Venetian life, focused mainly on the high aristocratic spheres, but also open to popular scenes. The painting is clearly to be attributed to the close circle of Pietro Longhi (Venice, 1702 or 1704 - 1785), even if stylistically and interpretively marked, compared to the Venetian Master, by a greater figurative emphasis and more subtle chromatic passages, but to be considered however contemporary to his work, or immediately following. It is for this reason that the work can coherently be assigned to the anonymous direct follower - it cannot be excluded even his own collaborator - of Pietro, called "Master of Reflections", as it is closely linked, for its figurative imprint and the taste of representing, to some paintings placed under this name, and more particularly to the Lady's Declaration, of the Banco Ambrosiano Veneto, a painting exhibited in pairs with the Rhinoceros on display, which is an inverted version of those of Pietro Longhi. The Master of Reflections specialized and followed up on genre and costume paintings with scenes of Venetian life, which made him famous starting from the mid-century. In these paintings, highly appreciated by the aristocracy and intellectuals of the time, captivating episodes of the lower or upper Venetian society were told, immersed in its daily life, fully responding to the Enlightenment desire to investigate reality and propose a punctual chronicle of the social customs of the time. The appellation "Master of Reflections" was coined on the basis of his changing use in tones, in truth not always detectable in the works of Longhi's followers, characterized by different typological and stylistic peculiarities, as well as pictorial ones, so much so that they have been distinguished with different appellations, such as the "Master of the Ridotto" and the "Slender Master". The item is in good condition. With Ars Antiqua it is possible to postpone all amounts up to a maximum of € 7,500 at ZERO RATE, for a total of 15 INSTALLMENTS. Ex. Total € 4,500 = Monthly installment € 300 for 15 months. Ex. Total € 3,600 = Monthly installment € 720 for 5 months. For amounts exceeding € 7,500 or for a longer period of time (over 15 installments), we can provide a personalized payment. Contact us directly to get the best quote. TV BROADCAST – SUNDAY 17.00 – 21.00 Dig.terr. 126 + 809 SKY - THURSDAY 21.00 - 24.00 Dig.terr. 134 + 809 SKY – Streaming on our website www.arsantiquasrl.com and on our social media Facebook and Youtube All works offered by Ars Antiqua are sold with a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law and a detailed information sheet. It is possible to see the works directly at the Milan showroom gallery, in Via Pisacane 55 and 57. We personally organize transports and deliveries of the works, both for Italy and abroad.