Italian School; Taken from Massimo d'Azeglio's novel Niccolò de' Lapi, ovvero i Palleschi e i Piagnoni, 19th century, oil on canvas

Description Taken from Massimo d'Azeglio's novel Niccolò de' Lapi, ovvero i Palleschi e i Piagnoni Oil on canvas cm 155x197 This painting is a work of the Italian school of the 19th century, and is taken from the historical novel by Massimo d'Azeglio, Niccolò de' Lapi, ovvero i Palleschi e i Piagnoni (published in 1841). The scene depicted is highly dramatic and narrative, consistent with the romantic taste for emotionally engaging historical episodes. In the center of the scene, there is an elderly man, lying on a bed covered with furs, who raises his hands in a sign of refusal or protest. Around him, a group of figures in Renaissance attire gathers. To his right, a young woman offers him a plate of food, perhaps trying to comfort him. The scene seems to be set in a prison or an austere room, with light entering from the left and highlighting the faces and hands of the protagonists. The weapons on the ground suggest a military presence or a war context. In the Italian context, this type of painting reflects the Risorgimento's interest in episodes from the national past, seen as models of heroism, sacrifice, or civic consciousness. Massimo d'Azeglio, in addition to being a novelist, was also a painter and politician, and his work contributed to spreading patriotic values through historical narrative. This painting is a visual representation of it. Dimensions cm 155x197 Provenance Private collection Conditions Defects and restorations. Losses.