Oil on canvas

94 x 129 cm

Framed 117 x 156 cm

The painting is accompanied by a critical report by Ferdinando Arisi

The scene, bathed in a suggestive morning light, depicts a fantastic harbour view dominated on the right by an imposing classical architectural structure, flanked by a Renaissance-style palace, while in the background we see the ruins of a portico punctuated by arches and Corinthian columns.

The charming composition is enlivened by figures of merchants dressed in oriental fashion, waiting to resume their journey laden with goods.

Professor Arisi recognises the style of the Florentine painter Alessandro Salucci (Florence, 1590 - Rome, c. 1660) who, after initially training in his hometown, moved to Rome at a very young age, soon beginning to collaborate with well-established painters and specialising in the execution of imaginary architectural views, becoming one of the most significant vedutisti active in the Eternal City

Specifically, our work can be traced back to the documented collaboration between the painter, who specialised in painted architecture, and the Flemish artist Jan Miel (1599 - 1663), who was active in Rome from 1636 and was one of the most famous artists of the “bamboccianti” movement, and who painted the figures.

His creations were strongly influenced by the art of Viviano Codazzi (1604–1670), with whom he was often confused, but they are distinguished by greater imagination, managing to blend the main Roman monuments with refined elegance.

The element that makes his “capriccios” unique is the creative power with which he outlines the characters: he does not seek to represent buildings in an objective or realistic manner, and therefore his works are true architectural scenographies of pure fantasy.

The ancient structures in his compositions, such as the arch in the background here, are not recorded in archaeological detail but are used exclusively for decorative effect.

For comparison, see some paintings similar to ours in terms of quality and scenic setting, where we find the same compositional scheme with the same building on the side in the foreground serving as a backdrop, and the composition unfolding in a dynamic succession of several planes. Among these:

(fig.1) A. Salucci, Marina with port, triumphal arch, buildings and figures (Arte Antica '95. Biennale di Antiquariato, 1995, p. 19) https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/54932/

(fig.2) A. Salucci, Fantasy view with Campo Vaccino and the Colosseum (Busiri Vici A., Fantasie architettoniche di Alessandro Salucci, in Capitolium, 1962, 13) https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/54915/

(fig.3) A. Salucci/M. Cerquozzi, Marina with buildings, sailing ships and figures (Cincinnati Art Museum) https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/54882/

(fig.4) A. Salucci/J.Miel, Ideal architecture with figures along the seashore, oil on canvas, 114 x 165 cm (Vienna Dorotheum, 17.10.2012) https://www.dorotheum.com/it/l/4560793/

(fig.5) A. Salucci, Meeting between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Banca Italia Collection) https://collezionedarte.bancaditalia.it/web/guest/-/alessandro-salucci

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with a pleasant antique frame and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

If you would like to see this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!

Please contact us for any information or to arrange a visit, we will be happy to answer you.

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