The Toilet of Venus
Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660) workshop of

oil on canvas

62 x 76 cm.

framed 70 x 84 cm. (period frame)

The proposed painting, depicting the Toeletta di Venere, can be attributed to a master active in the 17th century and trained on the stylistic and compositional examples of the Bolognese Francesco Albani.

His training first took place in the Bolognese workshop of the Flemish artist Denijs Calvaert and later in the Carracci Academy, enabling the painter to contribute to the spread of Bolognese classicism, providing an interpretation of it that, in the latter part of his career, sounded more idyllic and compliant to the more intimate taste of his patrons. It is for this reason, in fact, that the most intense and productive aspect of Albani's workshop is to be found in mythological paintings, rather than those with a religious theme.

The composition under scrutiny draws inspiration from several works by Francesco Albani with a similar subject matter: these include, of course, the 'Toilet of Venus' and 'Venus in the Forge of Vulcan', preserved in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, which are part of a cycle of four tondi, each associated with a season, or the 'Toilet of Venus' in the Museo del Prado (Madrid).

Seventeenth-century classicism proposed idealised, ethereal and idyllic works of art, which were inspired by the great masters of the Renaissance such as Raphael and Titian and often dealt with themes taken from the ancient repertoire and classical mythology.

In our composition, the goddess Venus, sitting half-naked three-quarters to the left, with a twist of her torso is looking at a winged putto behind her. At her side are the Three Graces, one of whom is choosing jewellery to propose to her, another is styling her hair while one without a full view of a cherub who is fluttering above the scene.

Finally, the scene, set in a luxuriant garden enriched by gushing fountains with sculptures and classical architecture with high colonnades, is dotted with a myriad of winged Cupids and playful cupids who animate the scene in a haphazard manner, one trying on the jewellery intended for Venus, two others intent on playing with a mirror, another with a drape he seems unable to free himself.

The painting is in very good condition.

The work is accompanied by an antique frame, in good condition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

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