Andrea Scacciati (Firenze 1642–1710)

Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710) (link) Flower composition in embossed vase (1 of 3) oil on canvas cm. 130 x 90 - In antique frame 145 x 105 cm. Work accompanied by expertise of Prof. Emilio Negro Antique frame, with defects and missing parts. Painting in good condition, old restorations, presence of an old superficial layer of varnish, partially oxidized. The important still life proposed - of which two other specimens may be available - shows a lush bouquet with numerous botanical varieties, described with careful sensitivity thanks to a draft rich in mixtures and tones, collected inside an embossed metal vase and resting on a square-shaped support. Given the large size and the fact that it is part of a series, our works was certainly commissioned for the decoration of a patrician palace: it was in fact customary, in the large reception halls or in the long connecting corridors of the different wings of the palaces, to decorate the most important walls with series of works specially commissioned, based on the tastes of the noble owners. The painting, dating back to the end of the 17th century, exhibits purely Tuscan school characteristics and is attributed to the Florentine Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710), a leading figure together with Bartolomeo Bimbi of this pictorial genre in Florence in the late Baroque era. Andrea Scacciati is in fact considered the protagonist of the renewal of Florentine still life in a Baroque sense in a century that constitutes the golden period of this figurative genre: during the 17th century, in fact, still life established itself as a genre in itself and all its intrinsic potentialities - in terms of visual suggestion, descriptive precision, compositional wisdom and symbolic density - reach an unsurpassed fulfillment. At the end of the sixties, the author started a workshop in charge of numerous commissions from the ruling house and various noble families. Much loved by the Medici and the most famous Tuscan patrician families, he was the author of works of the highest stylistic quality, dedicated mainly to floral compositions, defined with skillful pictorial skill and enhanced by exclusive chromatic effects. His canvases were requested in particular by Grand Duchess Vittoria della Rovere and Grand Duke Cosimo III and destined for the Villa dell'Ambrogiana. As for the characteristics of his style, a descriptive formula imbued with an original eclecticism is evident, derived essentially from the knowledge of 17th-century Flemish and Dutch paintings, and from the refinements of the Roman floral compositions of the famous Mario Nuzzi, better known as Mario de' Fiori. The type of composition and the chiseled metal vase are linked to the most typical strand of the artist's late period. There are numerous typical elements of the painter that we see again in our still life, including the almost geometric balance of the arrangement of the flowers and the varied chromatism in describing the different botanical species, created with variety and elegance, finally enhanced thanks to the dark background. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is completed by a gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco