Il risveglio della dama
Pietro Longhi (Venezia, 1701 - 1785) Cerchia
Pietro Longhi (Venice, 1701–1785)
Cerchia
The Lady’s Awakening
Oil on canvas
73 x 56 cm.
With frame: 85 x 69 cm.
Anyone wishing to gain an insight into the social life of 18th-century Venice, to step inside the homes of the nobility and the bourgeoisie, to understand how they spent their days, what their activities were and what their pastimes entailed, should immerse themselves in the paintings of the Venetian Pietro Longhi (Venice, 1701 – 1785), the most important genre painter of 18th-century Venice.
The work on offer is based on one of his own creations, ‘The Lady’s Awakening’, painted by Longhi around the mid-18th century, a scene that captures with irony and vivacity a snapshot of daily life among the high aristocracy of the time, preserved in various versions and derivatives in numerous public and private collections.
The depiction includes all the elements that give Longhi’s works their timeless charm: elegant settings, a touch of humour and, above all, a evocative and slightly daring subject.
The painting depicts an elegant young woman waking up in her boudoir, as she prepares to rise from bed, turning coquettishly towards the viewer, whilst her maids help her dress and attend to her personal grooming, preparing a bath for her in a silver basin.
The atmosphere of luxury and leisure is enhanced by the figure of a gentleman, in a green silk dressing gown and golden slippers, reclining in a chair in the corner whilst he gazes at her. Although he holds the morning paper in his hand, his attention is clearly distracted by his attractive wife, who in turn is perfectly aware that she is being watched. Neither of them seems in any hurry to leave the comfort of the bedroom for the outside world: the gentleman’s black cloak and wig rest on their stands in the background, and his stockings hang lazily down his legs.
Although the original painting, once thought lost, reappeared at a Christie’s auction (New York,
14 October 2021, lot 51 - https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot -6338021) after being acquired by the French collector John Grou in the early 19th century and brought to the United States, the subject became famous thanks to the engraving by Charles-Joseph Flipart (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/816333).
The preparatory drawings for the painting are held at the Correr Museum in Venice, whilst a fine version attributed to Longhi’s circle is housed at Palazzo Leoni Montanari in Vicenza (https://gallerieditalia.com/it/musei-online/opere/il_risveglio_della_dama-195/).
His innovative and original artistic style was highly acclaimed, so much so that it spawned a host of imitators and followers: in Venice, the great Francesco Guardi often painted interiors in the Longhi style, as did his brother Gianantonio, as demonstrated by the works held at the Museo del Settecento in Cà Rezzonico, Venice.
Within the same circle, we find several painters of Venetian origin: the enigmatic Maestro del Ridotto and Maestro dei Riflessi, Andrea Pastò, Giuseppe de Gobbis and the Veronese Andrea Boscarati, all intent on meeting the abundant demand for Longhian-style painting in the city and beyond.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold complete with frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.
Should you wish to view 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 assist you.
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