The large painting, framed in a golden frame, depicts a rural scene with traditional elements of agricultural work.
In the center of the image, two oxen are yoked and appear to be in the process of pulling, with a female figure intent on gathering a large pile of hay or straw.
Another man is visible on the right, carrying a load of hay on his back and walking on a grassy path.
The scene is set in an open field, probably during the harvest season, as suggested by the abundant presence of hay. The background shows a rural landscape with trees and what could be a building in the distance on the right.
The predominant colors are warm shades of yellow, brown, and ocher for the hay and earth, with a light blue sky occupying the upper part of the painting.
The brushstrokes appear to be descriptive, seeking to capture the texture of the hay and the robustness of the animals.
The light in the painting is diffused, suggesting a daytime, perhaps in the late afternoon or morning.
In summary, this is a work that portrays a moment of peasant life, focusing on the relationship between man, working animals, and the land, with a composition that highlights the effort and collaboration in the agricultural context.
The work is signed by the artist Antonino Traverso, known for his rural themes.
The dimensions are as follows:
155 cm x 116 cm including the coeval frame
138 x 98 cm the canvas.
Antonino Traverso, born in 1900, received his artistic training in Genoa, at the Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts (1915-1918), in Carrara where he attended the sculpture course at the local Academy.
In 1927 he won the competition for the artistic scholarship of Brignole-Sale Duchessa di Galliera.
His debut, as a painter, took place at the exhibition held at the Society of Fine Arts of Genoa in 1918 (Palazzo Bianco); as a fresco artist, in Imperia in 1926, choir of the church of Coldiroli.
Regarding his exhibition career, we remember the first major exhibition in Genoa, Galleria Vitelli, in 1927, followed by a second edition in 1929, and a third in Milan in 1930, at the Galleria Geri.
Then followed the exhibitions at the Galleria San Giorgio in Genoa in 1932-35-38; at Palazzo Ducale in 1945.
In 1939 he was appointed Academic of Merit at the Ligustica Academy of Genoa.
An artist of great personality, he approached easel painting, fresco, and etching with equal skill.
Antonino Traverso was also a well-known illustrator and ceramist; in 1947 he curated the set design for the film "Bicycle Thieves", directed by Vittorio De Sica.
Two years later he moved to Venezuela, where he remained until 1955, dedicating himself in particular to portraiture and the decoration of villas and public buildings, as well as the preparation of advertising material for important companies.
He also painted subjects engaged in agricultural activities and in emigrations of men and animals.
His favorite subjects remain, however, the characteristic characters of old Genoa and the typical views of Liguria: he will create works that testify to the profound, radical changes that have taken place over the years.
Upon returning from South America, he resumed his participation in city exhibitions with intensity.
We remember those at the Circolo della Stampa in Genoa in 1960-62; at the Galleria De Pasquali in 1967; at the Galleria Liguria in 1972.
Antonino Traverso obtained numerous awards and recognitions for his art, starting with the purchase of his painting I ceri di Gubbio in 1924, by the King of Italy.
His works are in the Municipality of Genoa, the public galleries of Perugia and Terni, in Caracas at the National Library (22 canvases, referring to the Don Quixote cycle); in Celle Ligure, Parish Church (frescoes of the apse).
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