Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660) Seguace di

The Toilet of Venus Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660) - Follower of Oil on canvas (64 x 96 cm - Framed 83 x 121 cm) The proposed painting, depicting the 'Toilet of Venus', can be attributed to a master active between the 17th and 18th centuries who trained on the stylistic and compositional examples of Francesco Albani from Bologna (Bologna 1578 - 1660). A pupil of Annibale Carracci, Albani contributed significantly to the spread of Bolognese classicism, providing an interpretation that, in the latter part of his career, sounded more idyllic and pleasing to the more intimate taste of patrons. It is for this reason, in fact, that the most intense and productive aspect of Albani's workshop can be found in mythological paintings such as the one proposed, rather than in those with religious themes. The composition under examination, in particular, draws inspiration from the painting commissioned in 1621 by Ferdinando Gonzaga, sixth Duke of Mantua, for his residence 'Villa Favorita'; after the nobleman's death, the work was ceded to the Medici family of Florence in 1633, before passing into the collections of the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it is still located today (https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010062295). [1] The Mantuan canvas belongs to a cycle of four works depicting episodes from the life of Venus, here immortalized as she sits on the shores of a lake in front of a marvelous palace and makes herself beautiful to seduce Adonis. Other works of reference are the series of four seasons made for Prince Borghese a few years earlier (see Spring: https://www.collezionegalleriaborghese.it/opere/toletta-di-venere-la-primavera): in this case, too, the underlying theme of the works revolved around the loves of the gods, and in particular the rivalry between the two goddesses Diane and Venus, a conflict that reflects the struggle between the virtue of chastity and the vice of sensual love: this subject was enormously successful for collectors of the time. 17th-century classicism proposed idealized, ethereal and idyllic works of art, inspired by the great masters of the Renaissance such as Raphael and Titian and often dealing with themes from the ancient repertoire and classical mythology. In our painting we can admire the beautiful Venus intent on admiring herself in a mirror, sitting semi-naked on her throne flanked by the three Graces. Finally, the scene, set in a lush garden enriched by gushing fountains with sculptures and classical architecture, is studded with a myriad of winged Cupids and playful cherubs who animate the scene in a disorderly way, playing with the fruits of the earth, announcing the awakening of nature and the arrival of spring. [1] Francesco Albani (Bologna, 1578 - 1660), La Toilette de Vénus (oil on canvas, 2 x 2.5 m.) Musée du Louvre (Museum URL https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010062295) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a pleasant 19th-century gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you in our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/