Composition of flowers in an embossed vase (2 of 3), Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710)

Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710)

Flower arrangement in an embossed vase (2 of 3)

oil painting on canvas
cm. 130 x 90 – In antique frame 145 x 105 cm.

Work accompanied by expertise of Prof. Emilio Negro

Antique frame, with defects and missing parts. Painting in good condition, old restorations, presence of an old surface layer of paint, partially oxidized.

The important still life proposed – of which two other examples are possibly available – shows a luxuriant bouquet of numerous botanical varieties, described with careful sensitivity thanks to a rich application of impastos and tones, collected inside an embossed metal vase and resting on a square-shaped support.

Given their large size and the fact that they are part of a series, our work was certainly commissioned for the decoration of a patrician palace: it was in fact customary, in the large reception rooms or in the long corridors connecting the various wings of the palaces, to decorate the most important walls with series of works specially commissioned, based on the tastes of the noble owners.

The painting, dating back to the end of the seventeenth century, exhibits characteristics that are typically of the Tuscan school and is attributed to the Florentine Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710), a leading figure, together with Bartolomeo Bimbi, of this pictorial genre in Florence in the late Baroque period.

Andrea Scacciati is in fact considered the protagonist of the renewal of the Florentine still life in the Baroque sense in a century that constitutes the golden age of this figurative genre: during the seventeenth century in fact the still life asserted itself as a genre in its own right and all its inherent potential – in terms of visual suggestion, descriptive precision, compositional wisdom and symbolic density – reached an unsurpassed fulfillment.

In the late 1560s, the artist opened a workshop that was entrusted with numerous commissions by the royal family and various noble families. Much loved by the Medici and the most famous Tuscan patrician families, he was the author of works of the highest stylistic quality, dedicated mainly to floral compositions, defined with expert pictorial skill and enhanced by exclusive chromatic effects.

His paintings were especially requested by the Grand Duchess Vittoria della Rovere and the Grand Duke Cosimo III and destined for the Villa dell'Ambrogiana.

As regards the characteristics of his style, a descriptive formula imbued with an original eclecticism stands out, borrowed essentially from his knowledge of seventeenth-century Flemish and Dutch paintings, and from the refinements of the Roman floral compositions of the famous Mario Nuzzi, better known as Mario de' Fiori.

The typology of the composition and the chiseled metal vase are linked to the most typical trend of the artist's late period. There are numerous typical elements of the painter that we see again in our still life, including the almost geometric balance of the arrangement of the flowers and the variegated chromatism in describing the different botanical species, created with variety and elegance, finally enhanced thanks to the dark background.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is completed by a gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

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

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

Follow us also on:

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco