Drawings — Dessins anciens et du XIXe siècle
Alessandro Casolani was an Italian painter of the late-Renaissance period, active mainly in Siena. He was also called Alessandro della Torre. His works are principally in the churches of Siena, but are also found in Naples and Genoa. He also etched one plate, a Madonna. His son, Ilario Casolani was also a painter. Among the pupils of Casolani are Bernardino Capitelli, Sebastiano Folli, and Giovanni Biliverti.
Astolfo Petrazzi was an Italian painter of the Baroque period, active mainly in his hometown of Siena, but also Spoleto and Rome. He was a pupil of mainly Francesco Vanni, but also worked under Ventura Salimbeni and Pietro Sorri.
Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, better known as Guercino, was an Italian Baroque painter and draftsman from Cento in the Emilia region, who was active in Rome and Bologna. The vigorous naturalism of his early manner contrasts with the classical equilibrium of his later works. His many drawings are noted for their luminosity and lively style.
Luca Giordano, born on October 18, 1634, in Naples, emerged as the most celebrated Neapolitan painter of the late 17th century, known for his quick workmanship, which earned him the nickname "Luca Fa Presto" from his father's frequent admonitions to work quickly. His profound contribution to the development of Italianate landscape painting marked a significant chapter in art history.
Giordano's works are celebrated for their dynamic compositions, vibrant color palette, and the ability to infuse his subjects with vitality and emotion. His prolific career saw him working across Italy and Spain, leaving behind a legacy that includes monumental works such as the frescoes in the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi in Florence and the ceiling paintings in Santa Brigida Church in Naples. His late works, lighter and prefiguring the Rococo movement, were particularly influential and admired by later artists such as Fragonard.
Giordano's artistic prowess was not confined to a single genre; his oeuvre includes religious and mythological scenes, landscapes, and portraits. His versatility and ability to adapt his style to suit different subjects and patrons' preferences made him a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Rococo style. Despite criticisms of superficiality due to his rapid execution, Giordano's work was fundamentally rooted in a deep understanding of his predecessors, combining the dramatic intensity of the Baroque with the emerging lighter Rococo aesthetic.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Luca Giordano's paintings represent a significant period in art history, bridging the gap between two major stylistic periods and reflecting the vibrant cultural exchanges of 17th-century Europe. His works, found in esteemed collections worldwide, continue to be studied and admired for their technical brilliance and artistic innovation.
To explore more about Luca Giordano's masterful contributions to the world of art and to stay updated on exhibitions or sales featuring his work, consider signing up for updates from art institutions. This subscription ensures enthusiasts and collectors are well-informed about developments related to Giordano's oeuvre, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of his enduring legacy.
Antonio Molinari, an Italian painter, was a prominent figure in the Venetian Baroque movement. Molinari was celebrated for his dynamic and dramatic renditions of religious and mythological scenes, often characterized by their emotional intensity and vibrant color palette. His training under Antonio Zanchi in Venice and the influence of Neapolitan artists like Luca Giordano significantly shaped his artistic style, which blended Neapolitan naturalism with classic Venetian colorism.
Antonio Molinari's work is known for its tumultuous narratives, as seen in pieces like "The Adoration of the Golden Calf" housed in the Hermitage Museum and "The Boy Moses Stepping on Pharaoh's Crown" at the Museum Kunstpalast. His ability to convey complex stories through his art has left a lasting impact on the Baroque genre, influencing subsequent artists, including his pupil Giovanni Battista Piazzetta.
For art collectors and aficionados, Antonio Molinari's oeuvre offers a deep dive into the Baroque's rich narrative and aesthetic qualities, making his works coveted pieces in the realm of art and antiquities. His contributions to the Venetian Baroque movement remain significant, illustrating the vibrant cultural and artistic history of the period.
To stay updated on Antonio Molinari's artworks and related auction events, subscribing for updates is recommended for enthusiasts keen on acquiring or learning more about his influential pieces. This subscription ensures that collectors and art lovers are promptly informed about new sales and auction events related to Molinari's works, enriching their appreciation and understanding of this pivotal artist's legacy.
Donato Creti was an Italian painter of the Rococo period, active mostly in Bologna.
One memorable conceit in Creti's output is a series of small canvases depicting celestial bodies, disproportionately sized and illuminated, above nocturnal landscapes.
Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, an Italian painter, was a remarkable figure in the 18th-century art world. The eldest surviving son of the famed Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Domenico not only assisted his father but also carved out his own niche in the realms of painting and etching. His work, encompassing a broad array of subjects from religious themes to lively genre scenes and character sketches, reflects a blend of the allegorical grandeur inherited from his father and his own more grounded and observational approach.
Domenico Tiepolo's artistic legacy includes a significant contribution to printmaking, particularly in etching, where he reproduced both his and his father's paintings, alongside original compositions. Among these, the series of twenty-four illustrations of the "Flight into Egypt" and a set depicting the "Stations of the Cross" stand out as notable examples of his originality and skill in capturing narrative depth. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, such as the Prado Museum, The Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the National Gallery in London, underscoring his international acclaim and the enduring appeal of his art.
Despite being somewhat overshadowed by his father, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo's contributions to the art world are significant. His ability to infuse his works with a sense of immediacy and emotional depth, while still engaging with the theatricality and elegance characteristic of the period, marks him as a pivotal figure in the transition from the grandiose Baroque to a more intimate and observant Rococo style. This duality is perhaps best represented in his genre scenes and character studies, which offer a glimpse into the daily life and cultural milieu of 18th-century Venice.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Domenico Tiepolo's works represent a fascinating intersection of historical significance and artistic merit. His prints and paintings not only reflect the cultural and artistic vibrancy of his era but also offer insights into the personal and professional dynamics within one of the most celebrated artistic families of the time.
To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo's works, signing up for newsletters from relevant art institutions and auction houses is recommended. These updates can provide valuable information for collectors and enthusiasts eager to enhance their collections with pieces by this distinguished artist.
