Circle of Francesco Solimena (Italian, 1657-1747), Giambattista Pittoni (Italian, 1687-1767) or Francesco Trevisani (Italian, 1656-1746), Baroque/Rococo, 18th century. A stunning 18th century painting that was attributed to the Circle of Francesco Solimena, an Italian artist who was a leading figure of the Neapolitan school of painting during the first half of the 18th century, at Butterfield & Butterfield in 1995 but also suggests influences of Giambattista Pittoni and Francesco Trevisani. In this composition, the Virgin Mary holds the Christ Child who reaches up to Mary with His right hand. The physiognomy of the faces, rosy lips and cheeks, and brown shadows suggest the influence of Solimena; however the mannered hands suggest Pittoni or Trevisani. A striking painting capturing Virgin and Child's loving interaction with fine modeling, rich color, and dramatic lights and darks. Finally, the painting is set in a lovely carved and gilded French Louis XVI frame. Size: 18.5" L x 14" W (47 cm x 35.6 cm) Frame: 24.5" L x 20.25" W (62.2 cm x 51.4 cm) Gilding: 40% and 65%.

Interestingly, Italian paintings of this era were more typically set in Roman Salvator Rosa frames which were popular from the 1680s to the 1760s; however, this example is graced by an exquisite, classically inspired French Louis XVI frame, replete with elaborate motifs, impressive craftmanship, and luxurious gilding - all beloved hallmarks of French design.

For comparisons, see Francesco Solimena's "Virgin and Child" (Fitzwilliam Museum - accession number 177); Giambattista Pittoni's "Head of the Virgin" (Musee des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg - accession number 44.4019.2.9 - note the Virgin's similar low gaze); and Francesco Trevisani's "The Madonna and Child" (National Trust, Stourhead - accession number 732132).

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection; acquired from Niels Schmidt Co. Art and Auction Galleries, Detroit, Michigan in 1944; attributed to School of Solimena by Mark Fisher, Director of European Paintings at Butterfield & Butterfield in 1995

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168842

This painting shows expected age wear with areas of loss and it would benefit from a professional cleaning, but the imagery and coloration are still strong. The painting has nice craquelure, original stretchers, and is unlined which is quite nice. The white chalked #50 on the verso of the canvas as well as one of the stretcher bars may indicate a marking for Christie's or Sotheby's. The frame shows normal surface wear, stable fissures, nicks/chips to peripheries and high-pointed areas. The gilding was XRF'd in several areas and measured between 40% and 65% gold. It is wired for suspension, but the wiring could be refreshed of course.