Michelangelo Maestri, (1741-1812)
Nereid with Sea Panther. 1802-1812. Mixed media on paper. Cutout approx. 15.5 x 22.8 cm. Framed with passe-partout behind glass.
The models for Michaelangelo Maestri's depictions were the wall paintings from Herculaneum and Pompeii, which became well known in the second half of the 18th century due to the spread of excavation motifs in drawings and engravings. Maestri worked from these templates and created detailed paintings, often against black backgrounds. The present motif is a fragment of an ancient wall painting from the Villa Arianna in Stabiae, the original of which is now in the Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Condition Report available on request