Maestro italiano (XVII secolo)

Italian Master (17th century) - The garden of the magician Falerina (from "Orlando innamorato"). 97 x 130 cm without frame, 111 x 144 cm with frame. Oil on canvas, in carved and gilded wooden frame. - We thank Professor Fabio Ronco for correctly identifying the subject of the painting, taken from canto IV of Book II of Boiardo's "Orlando innamorato": the sorceress Falerina is represented in her enchanted garden, recognizable by the statue and the fountain. She is accompanied by a book, the mirror and her magic sword. Condition report: Lined canvas. Good state of preservation of the painted surface; there are signs of aging and wear. The Magician Falerina is a minor but significant character in the epic poem "Orlando Innamorato" by Matteo Maria Boiardo published in 1483, which tells the adventures of Charlemagne's paladins and is intertwined with mythological and fantastic elements. In the poem, the Magician Falerina is a witch who possesses magical powers. She appears in the context of the story of Astolfo and some of the antagonists of the work. Her main function is to contribute to complicating the adventures of the protagonists and providing obstacles and difficulties. Magic and dark arts are recurring elements in Ariosto's epic, and Falerina fits perfectly into this context, acting as a figure that undermines the certainties of knights and main characters. Her figure and role in the plot serve to underline the complexity of the world created by Ariosto, in which the forces of good and evil are continuously at play and the situations are often influenced by supernatural elements. Her figure and role in the plot serve to underline the complexity of the world created by Ariosto, in which the forces of good and evil are continuously at play and the situations are often influenced by supernatural elements. - All shipments in the EU are free and professionally packaged. - Each item is sold with a certificate of authenticity with legal validity. - Further details on the condition report are available upon request. - Viezzi Arte guarantees quality and professionalism at competitive prices, contact us at info@viezziarte.it or via WhatsApp at +39 3402841279. *Message to non-Italian buyers: Please note that this work has not yet obtained a free export certificate from Italy from the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage. This document certifies that the work is not part of Italian cultural heritage. Normally, the time for issuing the certificates is 40 days from the date of the appointment: The new legislation in force from 2021 provides for shorter times at the discretion of the expert commission for amounts declared less than €13,500. All costs of this operation are included.