17th century, Genoese School, Allegory of War

17th century, Genoese School Allegory of War (Triad of Putti) Oil on canvas, 66 x 85.5 cm Frame, 82 x 104 cm The canvas in question, attributable to the hand of a painter from the Genoese Baroque school active during the 17th century, depicts a triad of putti partially covered by light, colorful drapes, intent on performing different actions: the one positioned on the right, girded with a pink mantle, holds two swords and carries a helmet in front of him; the one positioned in the center, dressed in a golden drape, is immortalized at the moment when he brings his hands to his head, as the only protagonist not presenting any attribute; finally, the third putto, placed on the left and wrapped in a delicate blue fabric, is depicted in the act of playing a small drum with drumsticks, which recalls the one used in battles to impart the marching rhythm and orders to the army. In this sense, the three putti could also be interpreted as an allegory of war. The three characters, immersed in a background consisting of a sunset sky with soft orange tones, have similar physiognomic characteristics: the head framed by golden curls, the rosy and plump cheeks, the eyes that shun the viewer's gaze, turning in other directions, and the florid, yet puerile bodies, whose complexion rendered with warm tones, highlights the softness of the skin. The work can be compared with some paintings on the same subject by Domenico Piola (Genoa, 1627-1703), one of the most significant artistic voices of the Genoese Baroque painting scene and owner of the most important painting workshop in the city at the time. As in the canvas under examination, in Piola's works the pictorial execution is characterized by the warm chromatic tones of the putti's complexions and the soft plasticity of the bodies, often caught in motion and in playful attitudes. From the sources we know that important families of the local aristocracy, including the Doria, the Spinola, and the Balbi, regularly turned to him to adorn their palaces with stories of classical heroes, ancient emperors, and allegories. Even the more frivolous subjects were appreciated and willingly requested by the nobility: the theme of putti, depicted in different attitudes and accompanied by various attributes, such as instruments, books, fruits, large vases, and floral garlands, are, in fact, frequently documented in the inventories of the picture galleries or cited in the descriptions of the Genoese palaces. Alongside Piola, one can mention other exponents of the 17th century Genoese school who tried their hand at the same subject, such as Anton Maria Vassallo (1617 – 1664/72), the author of the Allegory of Spring and Autumn, Valerio Castello (1624 – 1659) together with his pupil Bartolomeo Biscaino (1629 – 1657), or Domenico Guidobono (1668 – 1746). The object is in good condition. With Ars Antiqua it is possible to defer all amounts up to a maximum of €7,500 at ZERO RATE, for a total of 15 INSTALLMENTS. Ex. Tot. €4,500 = Monthly installment €300 for 15 months. Ex. Tot. €3,600 = Monthly installment €720 for 5 months. For amounts exceeding €7,500 or for a longer repayment period (over 15 installments), we can provide a personalized payment. Contact us directly to get the best quote. LIVE TV – SUNDAY 19.00 – 23.00 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 the works proposed by Ars Antiqua are sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity according to law and an accurate in-depth 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.