A sensational and high quality set of three Italian early 19th century gouaches in the manner of Michelangelo Maestri. The central gouache depict beautiful maidens draped in wonderful flowing fabrics with one holding a sundial and the other an hourglass... — Read More

A sensational and high quality set of three Italian early 19th century gouaches in the manner of Michelangelo Maestri. The central gouache depict beautiful maidens draped in wonderful flowing fabrics with one holding a sundial and the other an hourglass above rabbits, a lamb, a pedestal at one side and, most decorative theatrical mask amidst a staff, a lyre, and an owl. The outer gouaches depict charming putti ridding the waters, one on a dolphin, one on a seashell pull by turtles, one holding a triton on a floating wooden raft with a flag pulled by dolphins, and the other holding a branch while in a circular vessel pulled by sea dragons. Wonderful subject matter and fine attention to detail throughout, and set in a decorative giltwood frame.

Middle Painting Dimensions: H: 25" L: 30.25" D: 2.5"

Side Painting Dimensions: H: 34.5" L: 26.75" D: 2.25"

Michelangelo Maestri was an Italian artist of the 18th century who died in Rome in 1812. His finest compositions are based on motifs from antique frescos discovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum and from designs by Raphael or his pupil Giulio Romano. His work became very popular and often purchased by European travelers during their Grand Tour. Some of his most famous gouaches portray putti leading animals on a chariot and were inspired by ceiling frescoes in the Salone of Villa Lante, on the Janiculum Hill in Rome. — Read Less