{"title":"Italian Fine Art","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ahfsi5\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"82\"\u003eItalian Fine Art: Original Italian Paintings from the Masters of European Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"760\"\u003eItalian fine art stands at the foundation of Western art history, encompassing some of the most important original paintings ever created. From the innovations of the Renaissance to the drama of Baroque painting and beyond, Italian artists have defined the standards of beauty, composition and technique for centuries. Collectors searching for Italian paintings for sale are often drawn to the legacy of famous Italian artists, whose works continue to shape the canon of original fine art. At M.S. Rau, our collection of Italian fine art includes exceptional original paintings that reflect the highest levels of connoisseurship, historical importance and artistic achievement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"vdg9up\" data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eThe Evolution of Italian Fine Art and Artistic Movements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"1643\"\u003eItalian fine art developed through a series of groundbreaking movements that transformed the course of painting. The Italian Renaissance marked a pivotal moment in art history, as artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael introduced new approaches to perspective, anatomy and composition. This period emphasized harmony, balance and a renewed focus on classical ideals. The Baroque era followed, with artists such as Caravaggio bringing dramatic lighting and emotional intensity to painting through the use of chiaroscuro. Later movements, including Rococo and Neoclassicism, continued to refine artistic expression while maintaining strong ties to classical traditions. These movements collectively define Italian fine art and remain central to collectors seeking original Italian paintings for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"ree92s\" data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1692\"\u003eHow to Identify Original Italian Paintings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"2539\"\u003eCollectors interested in original Italian paintings benefit from understanding the stylistic and technical characteristics that define the tradition. Renaissance works are often marked by balanced compositions, precise perspective and a careful study of the human form. Baroque paintings introduce a more dramatic approach, with strong contrasts of light and shadow and a heightened sense of movement. Italian artists are known for their mastery of composition, often guiding the viewer’s eye through carefully arranged figures and architectural elements. Subject matter frequently includes religious scenes, mythological narratives, portraiture and historical compositions. Close examination reveals refined brushwork, layered paint application and a strong sense of structure, all of which are key indicators of quality within Italian fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1rd86c5\" data-start=\"2541\" data-end=\"2588\"\u003eFamous Italian Artists and Important Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2589\" data-end=\"3326\"\u003eItalian fine art is defined by some of the most famous artists in history, whose works continue to influence the study and collection of original paintings. Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for his mastery of composition and his exploration of light and form. Michelangelo brought a sculptural quality to painting, emphasizing anatomy and movement. Raphael is celebrated for his harmonious compositions and clarity of design. Caravaggio revolutionized Baroque painting through his dramatic use of light and realism. Later artists continued to build upon these foundations, contributing to the enduring legacy of Italian painting. These figures remain central to collectors seeking original Italian paintings and important works of fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"llm2pj\" data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3372\"\u003eStyles and Subjects in Italian Fine Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"4029\"\u003eItalian fine art encompasses a wide range of styles and subjects that reflect its central role in the development of European painting. Religious painting is one of the most significant categories, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, where artists created works for churches and private patrons. Mythological scenes, historical compositions and portraiture also play important roles within the tradition. Italian landscape painting and architectural views further expand the scope of the genre. These styles, rooted in classical ideals and technical mastery, distinguish Italian paintings within the broader world of original fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"9os70a\" data-start=\"4031\" data-end=\"4066\"\u003eWhere to Buy Italian Paintings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4891\"\u003eWhen searching for Italian paintings for sale, it is essential to acquire works from a trusted source with expertise in original fine art and Old Master paintings. M.S. Rau offers a carefully curated selection of Italian fine art, including original paintings by important artists and representative works from key movements such as the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Each painting is supported by thorough research and a commitment to authenticity, ensuring confidence for collectors. Clients may explore our collection online or visit our New Orleans gallery, where Italian paintings are presented in an environment that reflects their historical and artistic significance. Our specialists provide guidance to collectors seeking works that align with their interests in Italian painting and European fine art traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"40a7ct\" data-start=\"4893\" data-end=\"4926\"\u003eItalian Fine Art at M.S. Rau\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4927\" data-end=\"5564\"\u003eFor over a century, M.S. Rau has been recognized for its expertise in original fine art, offering works that represent the highest levels of quality and historical importance. Our Italian fine art collection includes original paintings that exemplify the depth and influence of artistic production in Italy. From Renaissance masterworks to Baroque compositions, each painting represents a carefully selected example of Italian artistic achievement. Through both our gallery and our website, M.S. Rau continues to serve as a leading destination for collectors searching for Italian paintings for sale and museum-quality works of fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13hz970\" data-start=\"5566\" data-end=\"5600\"\u003eWhat Defines Italian Fine Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5601\" data-end=\"6024\"\u003eItalian fine art is defined by its foundational role in the development of Western painting, particularly through movements such as the Renaissance and Baroque. Works from Italy emphasize balance, composition, perspective and the study of the human form, often combined with dramatic use of light and narrative subject matter. These qualities distinguish Italian paintings within the broader tradition of original fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"5w3zw\" data-start=\"6026\" data-end=\"6082\"\u003eHow Can You Tell if an Italian Painting Is Original\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6083\" data-end=\"6490\"\u003eDetermining whether a painting is an original Italian work involves evaluating technique, materials and stylistic consistency with known artists or schools. Experts examine brushwork, composition and surface quality, as well as provenance and historical documentation. Purchasing from an established gallery such as M.S. Rau ensures that each painting has been carefully vetted for authenticity and quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jg6mqv\" data-start=\"6492\" data-end=\"6544\"\u003eWhat Styles Are Most Common in Italian Fine Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6545\" data-end=\"6951\"\u003eItalian fine art is most commonly associated with Renaissance painting, Baroque art and later classical movements such as Neoclassicism. These styles reflect the evolution of painting in Italy and include works that emphasize structure, harmony, light and narrative. Collectors searching for original Italian paintings often encounter these defining styles within the broader category of European fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"17arxew\" data-start=\"6953\" data-end=\"6986\"\u003eWhy Collect Italian Fine Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6987\" data-end=\"7401\"\u003eCollectors are drawn to Italian fine art for its central place in the history of painting and its influence on artistic traditions across Europe. Original Italian paintings offer an opportunity to engage with works that represent key developments in composition, perspective and the depiction of the human figure. These works provide a meaningful way to explore the legacy of Italian art through original fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"10lzlhw\" data-start=\"7403\" data-end=\"7466\"\u003eWhat Should You Look for When Collecting Italian Paintings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7467\" data-end=\"7913\"\u003eWhen collecting Italian paintings, attention should be given to the quality of execution, the strength of composition and the clarity of the subject. Strong examples often demonstrate a confident use of perspective, balanced arrangement of figures and a clear connection to the defining characteristics of their period. Whether selecting Renaissance or Baroque works, collectors benefit from focusing on paintings that exemplify Italian fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"javom1\" data-start=\"7915\" data-end=\"7965\"\u003eHow Do You Start Collecting Original Fine Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7966\" data-end=\"8382\"\u003eStarting a collection of original fine art involves developing an understanding of artistic movements, historical periods and personal preferences. Italian fine art provides a strong foundation for collectors due to its influence and its connection to key developments in Western art. Working with a knowledgeable gallery such as M.S. Rau allows collectors to explore original paintings with guidance and confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"wgfs26\" data-start=\"8384\" data-end=\"8457\"\u003eWhat Makes Italian Fine Art Different from Other European Traditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8458\" data-end=\"8837\"\u003eItalian fine art is distinguished by its foundational role in shaping the principles of Western painting. While other traditions built upon these developments, Italian artists established the use of perspective, anatomical study and compositional balance that continue to define fine art. This influence sets Italian paintings apart within the broader world of original fine art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1i18luv\" data-start=\"8839\" data-end=\"8885\"\u003eHow Should Italian Paintings Be Displayed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8886\" data-end=\"9288\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eDisplaying Italian paintings involves thoughtful consideration of lighting and environment to enhance their visual qualities. Renaissance works benefit from balanced lighting that highlights detail and structure, while Baroque paintings are best appreciated in settings that emphasize contrast and depth. Proper placement ensures that original Italian fine art can be fully experienced and appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"italian-panel-of-orpheus-and-eurydice","title":"Italian Panel of Orpheus and Eurydice","description":"Greek mythology comes to life in this extraordinary gouache and oil on canvas. The exceptionally rare work likely depicts the tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus, a legendary great hero renowned for his musical skills, was the son of the Thracian king Oeagrus and the Muse Calliope, the patron of epic poetry. According to legend, Orpheus was gifted his first lyre by the god Apollo, who was impressed by his superhuman musical talents.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe tale for which Orpheus is best remembered, however, is the one likely depicted in this panel, wherein he rescued his wife, Eurydice, from the underworld. On the day of her wedding, Eurydice was set upon by a satyr, and in her efforts to escape, she was bitten by a snake. Overcome by grief, Orpheus traveled to the underworld with his lyre in order to appeal to Hades and Persephone to return his wife. Hearts softened by his song, they agreed to allow Eurydice to return to earth, on the condition that he not turn to look at her until they escaped the underworld. Tragically, Orpheus was unable to comply with this condition - he turned back to catch a glimpse of her, and his wife vanished forever.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the most popular of the Greek myths, Orpheus' story is brilliantly recreated in this gouache and oil on canvas, which captured the musician as he plays for the god and goddess of the underworld. Likely once displayed in the music room of an Italian villa, it is an exceptional example of its genre.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCanvas: 31 1\/2\" high x 48\" wide\u003cbr\u003e\nFrame: 52 1\/4\" wide x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672837390471,"sku":"30-9010","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-9010_1_42c3eaca-8071-43c3-bdee-516c992787fa.png?v=1769761361"},{"product_id":"venetian-figural-torcheres-17th-century","title":"Venetian Figural Torchères, 17th Century","description":"Carved wooden torchères\u003cbr\u003e Venetian artist\u003cbr\u003e Early 17th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Awe-inspiring in size and artistry, these incredible Venetian figural torchères pay homage to two of Italy’s most celebrated merchant explorers–Marco Polo and Amerigo Vespucci. Standing over nine feet high, these impressive carved wood sculptures were crafted in the late Renaissance in the Lombardo manner and are masterpieces of the centuries-old tradition of Venetian woodcarving. Most works executed during this era were ecclesiastical or architectural in nature, such as the Archangel torchères found in the Palazzo Moncenigo in Venice, a fact that makes these substantial secular figures an incredible rarity. Given their depiction of historical figures, these torchères would most likely have been specially commissioned by a wealthy Venetian merchant or public official to be displayed at the entrance of his palace. Outside of the similar pair housed in the Doge’s Palace in Venice, these figures are the only other secular pair known to exist anywhere in the world.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Displaying incredible attention to detail, the merchant explorers are rendered in exotic clothing inspired by their travels that forever changed the course of history. Retaining much of their original paint, a combination of gilt, polychrome and natural wood gives these imposing sculptures a dynamic and more life-like appearance. Known in Italy as androne torchère, these figures would have flanked the entrance hall stairwell making an unquestionably grand impression upon visitors.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wooden sculptures of this immense quality and scale would be nearly impossible to survive in the condition of the present pair. The passage of nearly 400 years, combined with the regularity of floods throughout Venice’s history, make these figural torchères among the rarest works of Venetian art on the market today.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each: 114” high x 44” wide x 30” deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231050629255,"sku":"30-3346","price":348500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-3346_1.png?v=1758655492"},{"product_id":"venetian-wood-sculpture","title":"Venetian Wood Sculpture","description":"This exceptional and monumental Venetian wood sculpture features two putti holding a footed tray. With all of the exquisite workmanship expected from the famed art and artisan hub, this sculpture is further elevated by its base decorated with bas-relief of the view from St. Mark's Square. The classical view of Venice overlooking the Grand Canal towards the Doge's Palace evokes all of the splendor of Italian artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1870 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 79\" high x 26\" wide x 17\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239052714119,"sku":"28-2465","price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/28-2465_1.png?v=1712739732"},{"product_id":"bust-of-pope-innocent-xi-odescalchi-by-domenico-guidi","title":"Bust of Pope Innocent XI Odescalchi by Domenico Guidi","description":"Domenico Guidi\u003cbr\u003e 1625-1701 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eBust of Pope Innocent XI Odescalchi\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Carrara marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental bust is a museum-quality example of Roman Baroque sculpture. Crafted by the legendary Domenico Guidi and carved from Carrara marble, the impressive portrait captures the visage of Pope Innocent XI, Benedetto Odescalchi (1611-1689). It presents a larger-than-life example of Guidi’s remarkable skill as a sculptor, which ultimately made his workshop one of the most important in Rome during his age. Today, his works are rarely found on the market, particularly his extraordinary works in marble. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pope Innocent XI was born Benedetto Odescalchi into an Italian noble family of prominent bankers. Spending his early years in banking, he eventually turned to the law, earning his doctorate in 1639. His background would serve him well in his service to the papacy, and he became known as a frugal and devout member of the Church. In 1676, he was unanimously elected Pope after the death of Clement X. During his nearly 13-year reign, he instilled his own personal ideals of austerity and frugality onto the Church, with a deep commitment to reform and piety. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He is captured here by Guidi in his traditional Pope’s mozzetta and camauro cap. A wide stole is draped over his shoulders, ornamented by acanthus leaves and the coat of arms of the Odescalchi family. It displays Guidi’s mastery over the chiaroscuro effect, particularly in the high level of contrast in his cheeks and his eyes, which Guidi achieved through various methods of high polish.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A very similar portrait sculpture of Pope Innocent XI by Guidi can be found in the collection of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The Warsaw bust belongs to a series of portraits of popes which the Odescalchi family commissioned from Domenico Guidi in the 1690s. Compared to that example, the present bust is far more dramatic, with deeper cut lines and a more precise expression. It is likely that the present piece was seen by the Odescalchi family, who ordered a similar one to be made. The piece was almost certainly intended to be displayed in a niche, given its dramatic cutting and its roughly carved back. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Others of Guidi’s busts can be found in important collections throughout Italy, England and the United States, though many of these are lesser bronze repetitions. A bronze bust of Pope Alexander VIII by Guidi is currently in the collection of the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum (London), while a terracotta version of the same is in the Los Angeles County Museum. A bronze of Pope Alexander VIII can be found in the Princely Collection of Lichtenstein, and his impressive marble papal bust of Clement IX graces the pope’s tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore. The present bust of Pope Innocent XI stands among these impressive examples as a truly museum-quality work by this Baroque master. That ours is also a marble original makes it all the more exceptional. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Domenico Guidi was the nephew of the prominent sculptor Giuliano Finella, and in 1639, he joined his uncle in Naples in order to learn the family business. His first task was a monumental one – he assisted Finella on thirteen statues of saints for the Cathedral in Naples. It was well known that his uncle had an ongoing feud with the great Baroque sculptor Bernini, and thus Guidi never entered his workshop. Instead, he went to Rome to work for Bernini’s main rival Alessandro Algardi in 1648 and, after the master’s death in 1654, began his own independent career. His workshop quickly became one of the most popular in Rome, particularly following the death of Bernini, and he also enjoyed remarkable success in France. Today, his sculptures stand as remarkable examples of the Roman Baroque style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1690 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 46” high x 35” wide x 17” deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42542450770055,"sku":"30-7781","price":298500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-7781_1_58a93872-762c-425d-84bd-6248f3881c2a.png?v=1743858907"},{"product_id":"italian-panel-of-eurydice-with-naiads","title":"Italian Panel of Eurydice with Naiads","description":"A fascinating tale from Greek mythology is revealed in this extraordinary gouache and oil on canvas. The rare Italian painting is believed to depict a scene from the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. One of the most tragic figures in Greek mythology, the nymph Eurydice was one of the daughters of the god Apollo. According to legend, she wed Orpheus, the legendary musician and hero who was the son of the Muse Calliope. She is captured here on the day of her wedding, joyfully dancing with the naiads in a vast field, though their severe expressions reveal the tragedy that is about to befall her.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nShortly after Eurydice's dance with the naiads, she was set upon by a satyr; in her efforts to escape, she was bitten on the foot by a poisonous snake and died. Overcome by grief, Orpheus traveled to the underworld with his lyre in order to appeal to Hades and Persephone to return his wife. Hearts softened by his song, they agreed to allow Eurydice to return to earth, on the condition that he not turn to look at her until they escaped the underworld. Tragically, Orpheus was unable to comply with this condition - he turned back to catch a glimpse of her, and his wife vanished forever.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the most popular of the Greek myths, Orpheus and Eurydice's story is brilliantly recreated in this gouache and oil on canvas. Likely once displayed in the music room of an Italian villa, it is an exceptional example of its genre.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCanvas: 31 1\/2\" high x 48\" wide\u003cbr\u003e\nFrame: 52 1\/4\" wide x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672837718151,"sku":"30-9079","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-9079_1_02dd6ff8-363a-40cb-92e8-9d58b3056928.png?v=1769758608"},{"product_id":"italian-panel-with-satyr-and-nymphs","title":"Italian Panel with Satyr and Nymphs","description":"This extraordinary Italian gouache and oil on canvas brings two of the most popular characters from Greek mythology vividly the life - the nymph and the satyr. Both creatures are famed for their carefree natures and lascivious temperaments, and tales abound of satyrs pursing nubile nymphs in order to rape or seduce them, usually with little success. One such narrative humorously unfolds in the present piece, which depicts an indignant satyr captured by three nymphs with a golden net.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe relationship between these two mythological creatures was a popular one for artists throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, though its origins stretch back to antiquity. Both satyrs and nymphs were commonly found on ancient Greek pottery, which inspired later Italian revivals such as the present piece. A similar scene was also captured by the great William-Adolphe Bouguereau in his 1873 masterpiece \u003cem\u003eNymphs and Satyr\u003c\/em\u003e, wherein a group of nymphs is surprised by a lascivious satyr while bathing.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAmong the most popular of the Greek mythological characters, the satyr and nymph are brilliantly recreated in this gouache and oil on canvas. Likely once displayed in the music room of an Italian villa, it is an exceptional example of its genre.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCanvas: 31 1\/2\" high x 48\" wide\u003cbr\u003e\nFrame: 52 1\/4\" wide x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672837816455,"sku":"30-9080","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-9080_1_b17db1e6-ef9e-4862-92da-dea817279415.png?v=1769758555"},{"product_id":"virgin-and-child-with-the-infant-saint-john-by-domenico-puligo","title":"Virgin and Child with the Infant Saint John by Domenico Puligo","description":"Domenico Puligo\u003cbr\u003e 1492-1527 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eVirgin and Child with the Infant Saint John\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oil on panel \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A masterful example of Italian Mannerist painting, this exceptional panel was composed by the renowned Florentine painter Domenico Puligo. Alongside Jacopo Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino, Puligo is remembered as one of the foremost figures of the Mannerist movement that rose to prominence during the 16th century in Florence. This panel of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child and Saint John the Baptist is a characteristic example of his celebrated devotional images, which grace museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Museo del Prado in Madrid, Palazzo Borghese in Rome and Palazzo Pitti in Florence, among many others. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Puligo’s skill with color is fully demonstrated in the beautifully preserved work. Considering its age, the vibrancy and the sheer range of color are remarkable. The Virgin Mary’s crimson dress displays an impressive level of chiaroscuro, ranging from deep burgundy to vibrant pink. It is perfectly juxtaposed against the dark greens and purples of her mantle. Apart from the two holy children, the remainder of the painting offers a view of a vast landscape, executed in various shades of blues and greens. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Puligo has perfected the soft sfumato effect; combined with his exaggerated, yet elegant distortion of his figures, his \u003cem\u003eVirgin and Child with the Infant Saint John\u003c\/em\u003e embodies the Mannerist idiom. The 16th-century art form emerged during the Late Renaissance. Whereas painters of the High Renaissance sought to achieve harmonious ideals and perfect proportions, the Mannerists created compositions that evoked drama through elongated limbs, strained poses, and vivid colors. Like other Mannerists of his generation, Puligo’s compositions are imbued with emotion and sentimentality rather than naturalism and perfect perspective. The style is well suited to the Virgin and Child trope, lending a motherly tenderness to Puligo’s devotional works. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Domenico Puligo was born in Florence into a family of blacksmiths, though little else is known of his early life. He trained under Ridolfo Ghirlandaio, and briefly worked under Andrea del Sarto, who became a profound influence on the young painter. The majority of Puligo’s output was focused on medium-sized religious paintings such as the present work, which he composed as special commissions for his client’s private devotion. A small group of altarpieces and a number of commissioned portraits have also been attributed to the artist. His oeuvre, however, is small, as he died at the young age of 35 after contracting the plague. Today, the majority of his works are found only in museum collections. It is incredibly rare to come across such a fine example as this on the market. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1515 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Panel: 33 1\/2” high x 25” wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 50 1\/8\" high x 40 3\/8\" wide \n Provenance: Sotheby's London, Old Master Paintings Auction July 3, 1991, Lot #221 Private Collection, Turin, Italy","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43261604200583,"sku":"30-8679","price":345000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-8679_1.png?v=1759512293"},{"product_id":"saint-cosmas-and-saint-damian-attributed-to-bonifacio-bembo","title":"Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian attributed to Bonifacio Bembo","description":"Attributed to Bonifacio Bembo\u003cbr\u003e 1420-1478 | Italy \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eSaint Cosmas and Saint Damian\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tempera on panel \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These exceptionally rare early Renaissance panels of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian are an extraordinary new discovery. Based on the research of art historians Marco Tanzi and Andrea de Marchi, it is believed that these represent the missing panels from the famed polyptych formerly displayed on the altar of the Chapel of San Nicola da Tolentino in the Church of Sant’Agostino in Cremona, Italy. To find two matching early Renaissance panels outside of a museum or church, particularly in such remarkable condition, is an extraordinary rarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The central and left-sided panels of the original five-part polyptych are currently in the collection of the Museo Civico Ala Ponzone in Cremona. These panels have luckily remained intact, and respectively portray the\u003cem\u003e Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Donor, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino\u003c\/em\u003e (the chapel’s namesake) and \u003cem\u003eSaint George\u003c\/em\u003e.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e While the present panels have since been reduced, that they belong to the Cremonese altarpiece is confirmed by a number of stylistic elements. All five panels contain the same rich decorative arabesque pattern on their stamped gold background, while the figures’ knurled haloes are identical in both their fineness of line and use of perspective. The proportions of the figures coincide perfectly; Saints Cosmas and Damian would have originally also been depicted as full-length figures, fitting into the vertical, Gothic style of the altarpiece. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e According to the Christian religion, Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian were 3rd century physicians born in Arabia. Little is known about their lives except that they were reputedly twin brothers and that they were martyred in Syria during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. It was believed that the saints were skilled in healing, and when their medicines failed, their faith and prayers could always perform miracles. Thus, the saints are often depicted with their medical equipment while wearing the traditional medieval doctor’s garb of crimson robes and distinctive round red hats. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The saints are similarly depicted in the present panels, though considering the manner in which they have been cut, their medical tools are not immediately evident. The saints were highly popular as patrons of wealthy families during the Gothic and Renaissance eras, particularly the Medici, and thus they occur frequently in art from the era. The twins, for instance, are found in the famed San Marco Altarpiece by Fra Angelico in the San Marco Museum (Florence), as well as in a set of Medici panels crafted by Filippo Lippi currently in the collection of the National Gallery (London). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Along with the remainder of the Cremonese altarpiece, these present panels have been attributed to the Northern Italian Renaissance painter Bonifacio Bembo. Active in Cremona throughout the 15th century, he would have been a natural choice for the construction of the altarpiece, which was to be part of a new chapel dedicated to San Nicola da Tolentina in the church of Sant'Agostino in Cremona. The Cavalcabò chapel, which is also in the Sant'Agostino, is similarly attributed to him. Several other of his works can be found in museums and churches throughout Italy and beyond, including the Pinacoteca di Brera (Milan), Denver Museum of Art, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris), among others. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1454-1458 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Panel: 14 5\/8” high x 11 3\/8” wide (37.15 x 28.89 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 22 3\/4” high x 19 1\/2” wide x 2 1\/2\" deep (57.79 x 49.53 x 6.35 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_30-8695.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work was exhibited at The European Fine Art Fair. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, London\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44050894815367,"sku":"30-8695","price":248500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-8695_1_e3932cdd-d2ed-4759-b626-be58a4b708f0.png?v=1774967625"},{"product_id":"the-colosseum-micromosaic-by-luigi-gallandt","title":"The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt","description":"Luigi A. Gallandt\u003cbr\u003e 19th Century | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Colosseum\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Gallandt\" (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Micromosaic with gilt wooden frame \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This highly important mid-19th century Roman micromosaic was crafted by the Italian artisan Luigi Gallandt. Monumental micromosaic panels of this giant scale are rare and extraordinarily valuable, and they were nearly always made either by special private commission or as papal gifts. Gallandt’s micromosaics are particularly prized for their high attention to detail and subtle handling of color. This example — a stunning veduta of the Colosseum — was once part of the famed Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum (London). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A visit to the Colosseum was central to any Grand Tour itinerary in Rome, and souvenir micromosaics of the Roman ruin were incredibly popular with 19th-century Grand Tourists. This example, however, is in a class of its own, far surpassing the concept of the Grand Tour souvenir. Absolutely monumental in size and measuring nearly 6 feet wide, it would have been a special commission for a client of particular wealth and importance. Few micromosaics of the period achieve both the size and the extraordinary artistry of the present example, which can be counted among the great masterpieces of 19th-century Roman art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It is this awe-inspiring view that visitors would have first glimpsed of the monument when approaching from the Roman Forum. The Titus fountain is depicted in front of the towering ruin, while the arch of Constantine is depicted to the right. Though two-thirds of the Colosseum has been lost to the ravages of time, Gallandt successfully captures both unspoiled and ruinous elements of the façade, evoking both the grandeur and the history of this well-known site. Contemporary figures in 19th-century dress occupy the foreground, further emphasizing the monumentality of the monument. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The attention to detail and subtly of color and pattern that is achieved in the scene is unique to Gallandt. The artisan was particularly renowned for his ability to impart a realism and veracity in his works that far surpassed any other maker of his generation. Gallandt's private micromosaic workshop operated outside of the constraints of the Studio del Mosaico Vaticano. Situated in the center of the city near the Piazza di Spagna where most tourists stayed, Gallandt was well established and highly successful, eventually earning the titled \u003cem\u003eCavaliere\u003c\/em\u003e, the Italian equivalent of knighthood. His popularity allowed him to earn special commissions of large-scale micromosaics such as the present piece, the likes of which are rarely found on the market. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1850-1875 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Panel: 31 1\/8” high x 69 1\/2” wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 38 1\/4” high x 76 1\/2” wide \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Gilbert Collection, Permanent Display, Somerset House, London, 2000-2007 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e References:\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMicromosaics: The Gilbert Collection\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 2000, by J. H. Gabriel, cat. no. 58, p. 117. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Collection of Mrs. Loyce Mayfield, Mountain Crest, Alabama\u003cbr\u003e Sotheby-Parke-Bernet New York, The Contents of Mountain Crest, 10-11 June 1977, lot 236\u003cbr\u003e The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, London\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans, 2020","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672875335815,"sku":"31-0483","price":1250000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-0483_1_08da793c-518c-4fbd-ba3f-c9757d933166.png?v=1767205743"},{"product_id":"saint-mary-magdalene-on-alabaster-with-pietre-dure-frame","title":"Saint Mary Magdalene on Alabaster with Pietre Dure Frame","description":"This incredibly rare 17th-century oil on alabaster depicts the Saint Mary Magdalene, rendered after Italian Baroque painter Guido Reni’s masterpiece of the same name. Saint Mary Magdalene gazes upward towards the heavens in a penitent pose, as two putti-like cherubs float above. Depicted with luxurious, long hair draped over her body — symbolizing the saint’s inherent sensuality — her outstretched hand rests on the iconic skull that faithfully accompanies her likeness in religious art. Surrounding this magnificent painting are superb pietre dure hardstone inlays of jasper, agate and lapis lazuli, mingled with Roman silver on an ebonized wood frame. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e One of his most popular subjects in the 1620s and 1630s, Mary Magdalene was something of an iconographic specialty for Reni, who executed various versions to please a public that prized them and continually requested them. Reni’s original 1633 Saint Mary Magdalene canvas on which this oil on alabaster is based was painted for Cardinal Antonio Santacroce and now resides in the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Rome. A similar, smaller oil on canvas depicting Mary Magdalene predates this original to 1627 and was formerly housed in the Barberini collection in Rome. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Guido Reni was born in Bologna in 1575 and rose to be the most famous Italian painter of his generation. Though considered a master of the Baroque, Reni’s work showcases a singular classical style that made an indelible mark on the course of art. Active in Rome, Naples and his native Bologna, he became the dominant figure in the Bolognese School that emerged under the influence of early-Baroque master painter and printmaker Carracci. Through his career, Reni collected a robust roster of patrons who were Cardinals and other wealthy clergy of the Vatican papacy. Thus, the Baroque artist is best known for his prolific oeuvre of religious works, though he also had an affinity for mythological and allegorical subjects. His oils and frescoes can be found in the basilicas, churches and palaces of Rome, Naples and Bologna, including the Paoline Chapel of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome as well as the Aldobrandini wings of the Vatican. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Italian, 17th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 13 3\/4” high x 12 3\/4” wide \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e References:\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eGuido Reni: L'Opera Completa\u003c\/em\u003e, Novara 1988, by S. Pepper, pp. 335-36, cat. no. 28 (illustrated) \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873689305223,"sku":"31-0484","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-0484_1.png?v=1770664772"},{"product_id":"the-letter-by-andrea-landini","title":"The Letter by Andrea Landini","description":"Andrea Landini\u003cbr\u003e 1847-1935 | Italian  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Letter\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “A. Landini” (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A red-robed cardinal chuckles at the letter in his hand in this oil on canvas by the Italian painter Andrea Landini. The vibrantly hued piece illustrates the artist’s genius at rendering charming narratives in remarkable detail. Entitled \u003cem\u003eThe Letter\u003c\/em\u003e, the work is a superb example of Landini's technical virtuosity — from the finely carved and upholstered chair to the neoclassical painting in the background, every detail is meticulously depicted.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Such works satirizing the clergy would have been severely censured just a generation earlier. Yet, by the time Landini picked up the brush, the European public had grown discontent with the hypocrisy of the clergy, many of whom enjoyed lavish lifestyles. Cardinal paintings such as this became highly popular during the period, and Landini emerged alongside Georges Croegaert, Marcel Brunery and Jehan Georges Vibert as the leading painters of the genre. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Florence in 1847, Andrea Landini trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, first under the animal painter Riccardo Pasquini and later with religious painter Antonio Ciseri. Landini quickly made a name for himself as a painter of portraits, attracting clients such as the Signora Guerrazzi of Livorno, the contessa Lavinia Bocca, the writer signora Elena Landini Ruffino and the Princess of Wales. While his portraits made him a success during his lifetime, today he is best remembered for his highly detailed genre scenes, and particularly his Cardinal paintings such as this. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 18 1\/4\" high x 15\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 23 1\/4\" high x 20 1\/2\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238364487815,"sku":"31-2429","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2429_1_93a457da-a454-422d-8fc6-db4a762246a1.png?v=1720512721"},{"product_id":"masquerade-by-fortunato-galli","title":"Masquerade by Fortunato Galli","description":"Fortunato Galli\u003cbr\u003e 1835-1918 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMasquerade\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"F. Galli FIRENZE\"\u003cbr\u003e White Carrara marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMasquerade\u003c\/em\u003e, a traditional yet playful composition by Fortunato Galli, reflects the realism and intricacy that defined Italian sculpture at the end of the 19th century. Magnificently carved, the monumental work captures a beautiful woman at a masquerade as she peels her mask from her face, revealing her secret identity. The virtuosity of the sculpture is breathtaking, from her delicate lace bodice to the hint of stockings that encase her shapely legs. Masterfully rendered, she represents the perfect marriage of classical beauty and a romantic sentiment that has come to define the work of this Italian master.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Livorno on the west coast of Tuscany, Fortunato Galli spent most of his life in Florence, where he enjoyed a faithful following. The majority of his sculptures were religious subjects, which he crafted for the major Tuscan churches, including his principal work, his famed statue of Pope Gregory VII that resides in the Duomo in Florence. His decorative sculptures such as this were far more playful in style, capturing gypsies and beautiful women in charming narratives. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1883 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 18 1\/2\" wide x 20\" deep x 52 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238362259591,"sku":"31-2390","price":98500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2390_1_105d9000-d556-46ca-b081-90aead2fdd02.png?v=1717921786"},{"product_id":"st-peters-square-italian-micromosaic-1","title":"St. Peter's Square Italian Micromosaic","description":"St. Peter's Square Italian Micromosaic\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1870 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This Italian micromosaic presents a meticulously detailed view of St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican, one of the most iconic architectural vistas of 19th-century Rome. Though at first glance it may appear to be a painting, this mosaic is comprised of hundreds of thousands of tiny glass tiles, or tesserae, each perfectly matched for color, size and placement. Every minuscule tile is painstakingly placed to exacting measures to create this magnificent scene portraying such details as clouds in the sky, flowing fountains, picturesque statues and people traversing St. Peter’s Square. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Micromosaics enjoyed great popularity among the ancient Romans, who decorated their homes with massive micromosaic pieces. The art of the micromosaic re-emerged during the 19th century, most notably in the workshops of the Vatican, finding favor among the surge of affluent tourists making their requisite Grand Tour across Europe. Avid collectors of these incredible works included Napoléon and Josephine, Russian tsars and ancestors of the legendary de Medici family. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 11 3\/4\" high x 14\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40500317192327,"sku":"31-2842","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2842_1.png?v=1780146914"},{"product_id":"perseus-by-ubaldo-gandolfi","title":"Perseus by Ubaldo Gandolfi","description":"Ubaldo Gandolfi\u003cbr\u003e 1728-1781 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePerseus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Terracotta \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The legendary Greek god Perseus is the subject of this elegant half-bust by Ubaldo Gandolfi, a major painter and sculptor from Bologna. The son of Zeus and Danaë, Perseus was the legendary founder of Mycenae and the Perseid dynasty, best remembered as the hero who vanquished the Gorgon Medusa. He is depicted here donning the Helmet of Hades (also known as the Cap of Invisibility), which was gifted to him by Athena to aid him in his quest to defeat the snake-haired Medusa and escape her sister. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Formed from terracotta, the bust is a significant work from this artist who worked primarily as a painter. Because Bologna lacks marble quarries, artists from the region worked in more readily available materials such as clay and terracotta. Giuseppe Mazza and Angelo Pìo, along with Gandolfi himself, excelled in the medium, creating highly detailed works from the moldable material. Other works in terracotta by the artist can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the church of San Giovanni (Monte, Bologna). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mid-18th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 1\/2\" high x 8 1\/2\" wide x 6\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43316892008583,"sku":"31-2772","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2772_1_b8a0c10b-6ad2-40d1-b96e-eeb66eff1f2c.png?v=1760369249"},{"product_id":"temple-of-vespasian-and-titus-roman-micromosaic","title":"Temple of Vespasian and Titus Roman Micromosaic","description":"The ruins of the ancient Roman Temple of Vespasian and Titus are the subject of this Italian micromosaic. Crafted in intricate detail, the scene is composed of thousands of tiny glass tiles that have been painstakingly chosen and placed to create a painting-like effect. A bucolic landscape surrounds the ruins, lending a sense of romance to the scene that is further enhanced by the presence of a mother and child seated near the temple's columns. It is an extraordinary example of this ancient art form that experienced a surge in popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Vespasian was the Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79 AD and the founder of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the empire for 25 years. This temple was constructed to honor Vespasian and his older son and successor Titus (ruled 79-81 AD); it was completed by Titus’ brother, Domitian, around 87 AD. Titus and Vespasian were each deified through the ceremony of apotheosis. Thus, tradition dictated that they be honored by Roman citizens and subjects as Roman deities. This imperial worship was as much a sign of allegiance to the emperor of Rome as it was a formal religion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The temple suffered significant damage during medieval times, particularly circa 1300 under Pope Boniface VIII and in Pope Nicholas V's remodeling of the Forum. All that survives today is the podium's core, parts of the inner chamber, and the three Corinthian columns depicted in this classic micromosaic. The architrave surmounting the capitals displays the last few letters of an inscription, [R]ESTITVER[UNT] (meaning \"they restored\"), commemorating the restoration of the temple by Septimius Severus and his son, Caracalla, around 200 AD.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Micromosaic: 10 1\/2\" high x 12 5\/8\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 12 1\/2\" high x 14 3\/4\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873807597703,"sku":"31-3659","price":68500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3659_1.png?v=1770672650"},{"product_id":"pietre-dure-by-giovanni-montelatici","title":"Pietre Dure by Giovanni Montelatici","description":"Giovanni Montelatici\u003cbr\u003e 1864-1930 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Shopping Bill\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pietre dure \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Composed by renowned Italian artist Giovanni Montelatici, this Florentine work of art depicts a humorous scene of a husband interrogating his wife about a shopping bill modeled after a work by Italian genre painter Pietro Saltini. While it has the appearance of a painting, the work is actually entirely composed of polished marble in place of paint. Each piece was carefully chosen for both its color and pattern to perfectly convey the mood and details of the scene, from the faux woodgrain on the shutters and stool to the contrasting light and shadow along the walls and table. Together, these luxurious marble pieces create a work of such cohesion as to have the perfect \u003cem\u003etrompe l'oeil\u003c\/em\u003e effect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Few could afford such precious pictures crafted in stone, so \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e artists created pieces such as this on a commission basis for only the most important clients. The most desirable works from this period display remarkable realism and intricacy in their execution, with a preference for rural subjects and natural landscapes. It was these kinds of works in which the Montelatici workshop specialized, making Giovanni a highly sought-after artisan in his day. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Montelatici is often credited with revitalizing the skill of \"painting\" in \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e, an art that had fallen into a steady decline since the mid-19th century. In 1898, he went into business with Galileo Chini (d. 1957), an artist from Mugello, near Florence, and the two men exhibited jointly at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, winning a gold medal for their large table inlaid with a scene of the Annunciation. Following the success in Paris, Montelatici established a large workshop, known as La Musiva, on the Via Arnolfo, appointing Chini as its artistic director. The business flourished during the early decades of the 20th century, when Montelatici was joined by his two sons, Mario and Alfonso, and when foreign buyers were plenty. Inspired by the paintings and subject matter of the Tuscan Macchiaiolo School and Southern Italian artists, production encompassed a wide variety of themes, with particular emphasis on scenes of domesticity and rural life. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A comparable work by Montelatici of the same subject is featured in Anna Maria Massinelli’s book, \u003cem\u003ePainting in Stone\u003c\/em\u003e, p. 209. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1880 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 11 7\/8\" high x 9 1\/2\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 19\" high x 16 5\/8\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873827520647,"sku":"31-3805","price":39850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3805_1_f2aa8f82-be31-44a5-bae0-cf4ccb8d8c0e.png?v=1772350319"},{"product_id":"pietre-dure-plaques-vis-a-vis-man-and-woman","title":"Pietre Dure Plaques, Vis á Vis Man and Woman","description":"Stunning in their intricacy, these Florentine works of art are not paintings, but rather superb examples of the intensive art of pietre dure. The charming duo captures the courtship between a young woman and her suitor in the style of such 19th-century costume painters as Adolphe-Alexandre Lesrel and Eugène von Blaas. Different kinds of polished marble and minerals are used in place of paint to create the scene, which uses the natural grain and color of the stones to create the perfect \u003cem\u003etrompe l'oeil\u003c\/em\u003e effect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 10 1\/4\" high x 5 1\/2\" wide\u003cbr\u003eFrame: 13\" high x 8 1\/4\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873817460871,"sku":"31-3715","price":9850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3715_1_fc275df1-90ba-4a37-b03d-4e2a115ab81c.png?v=1770672708"},{"product_id":"italian-pietre-dure-of-couple-by-c-b-gnudetti","title":"Italian Pietre Dure of Couple by C.B. Gnudetti","description":"An old man playfully pesters his wife while she attempts to mend a garment in this meticulously detailed pietre dure plaque. The genre subject is typical of the hardstone plaques that were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly those produced by the Grand-Ducal workshops in Florence. The flawless workmanship is also reminiscent of the Florentine masters; by the late 16th century, Florence had emerged as the epicenter of the art of pietre dure, and its workshops quickly became famous for producing some of the most beautiful hardstone objects of the 16th through 20th centuries. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Due to the intricacy and time-consuming nature of the craft, pietre dure artisans had a very niche and high-wealth clientele. Few could afford such precious pictures crafted in stone, so pietre dure artists created pieces such as this on a commission basis for only the most important clients. The most desirable works from this period display remarkable realism and intricacy in their execution, with a preference for genre scenes such as this. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “C.B. Gnudetti” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 8\" high x 10\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 10 3\/8\" high x 12 3\/'8\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873853866119,"sku":"31-3996","price":29850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3996_1_37734d1d-d825-4911-92af-d47bf9b86de7.png?v=1772350484"},{"product_id":"clio-by-studio-of-romanelli","title":"Clio by Studio of Romanelli","description":"Studio of Raffaello Romanelli\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th Century | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eClio\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed \"Executé sous la Direction du Prof. Romanelli\" (on base)\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Clio, the muse of history from Greek mythology, is the subject of this compelling neoclassical marble sculpture that hails from the studio of Raffaello Romanelli. Romanelli was the son of the celebrated Pasquale Romanelli, a collaborator of Lorenzo Bartolini who assumed control of his studio following the master's death. He was renowned for his marble studies of the female form, and both his masterful eye and studio were inherited by his son Raffaello. Where Raffaello differed from his father was in his use of multi-colored marbles, a design choice that is displayed in the present work, which was executed by a student in his atelier.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The stark, pure white of this Clio is perfectly complemented by her robes carved from Siena marble, lending texture and visual interest to her overall form. Her tablet is inscribed \"\u003cem\u003eHistoria non assentationi, sed fidei veritatique componitur. Pinius\u003c\/em\u003e,\" a quote from the letters of Pliny the Younger that roughly translates to \"History is written not for display but in the interests of strict truth.\" The quote was the perfect choice for the mythological figure, who was heralded as \"the Proclaimer\" of historical truths. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 22 1\/4\" wide x 15\" deep x 52 1\/8\" high\u003cbr\u003e Base: 23\" wide x 23\" deep x 27 1\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238685614215,"sku":"31-3877","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3877_1.png?v=1717923109"},{"product_id":"pietre-dure-of-italian-genre-scene","title":"Pietre Dure of Italian Genre Scene","description":"Meticulously rendered in polished hardstones and marbles, this plaque captures an old peasant woman presenting a gift of two chickens to her priest. The scene is emblematic of the charming genre scenes favored by Italian pietre dure artisans.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The art of pietre dure developed from the ancient art of opus sectile, where materials were cut and inlaid into walls and floors to form a decorative pattern. The meticulous technique requires that fine marbles and stones be carefully and artfully inlaid into a stone base. The method was both expensive and time-consuming, requiring not only precious materials but also highly skilled craftsmen. As a result, true marble and stone pietre dure works such as this are very rare and highly collectible. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 9 5\/8\" high x 12\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 10 3\/4\" high x 13 1\/8\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873956692103,"sku":"31-4225","price":28850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-4225_1_06c5dbc7-e994-4c7e-a126-7f86488c53af.png?v=1772351200"},{"product_id":"tete-de-cariatide-by-amedeo-modigliani","title":"Tête de cariatide by Amedeo Modigliani","description":"Amedeo Modigliani\u003cbr\u003e 1884-1920 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eTête de cariatide\u003cbr\u003e Head of Caryatid\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Modigliani” and numbered “1\/8” (near base)\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The figural works of the iconic modernist Amedeo Modigliani are known for their instantly recognizable style, and they are among the most coveted in the world of art collecting, with Modigliani ranking among the world’s ten most valuable artists of all time. This monumental bronze, conceived by the artist in 1910, demonstrates his mastery of sculpture. Sculpting was the artist’s self-proclaimed first and true passion — a fact sometimes overlooked due to the success of his paintings and the overwhelming rarity of his sculptures. His famed \u003cem\u003eTête\u003c\/em\u003e series from which this bronze hails stands as his most important sculptural output, with works recognized for their timeless quality and strong, stoic presence. \u003cem\u003eTête de cariatide\u003c\/em\u003e reflects these qualities and provides a compelling glimpse into Modigliani’s greatest artistic passion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This bronze is an enlarged casting of a wooden sculpture — the only known sculpture that Modigliani carved in wood rather than stone. Commissioned posthumously by Modigliani’s daughter Jeanne alongside the Modigliani Institute, the bronze iteration here perfectly captures the rich woodgrain texture of Modigliani’s original carving and retains its careful compositional balance. Soulful and intense, it reflects the exaggerated yet elegant elongation of the artist’s figural paintings, which became his much sought-after signature style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Modigliani’s interest in African and other non-Western art is well-documented. This bronze is reminiscent of a tribal mask or ancient deity, both due to its exaggerated features and the totemic appearance achieved by the work’s texture, meditative presence and sheer size. Yet the work also alludes to the artist’s Italian heritage and training. A \u003cem\u003ecaryatid\u003c\/em\u003e is a staple of classical architecture, an ornate column typically found on the façade of a temple that takes the form of a female figure, with the most famous examples being on the Acropolis of Athens. The present sculpture exudes the same striking, memorable quality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Livorno, Italy in 1884, Modigliani dreamed of becoming a sculptor from a young age when he first encountered the grand marbles of Michelangelo. He moved to Paris in 1906, but it was not until 1909 after meeting modernist sculptor Constantin Brancusi that he began carving figures. For a time, he devoted himself almost entirely to sculpting, completing very few paintings between 1911 and 1914 but producing several sketches and gouaches relating to his sculptural projects. Modigliani exhibited a series of his sculptures in the 1912 Salon d'Automne. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Among the reasons Modigliani’s work is so highly sought after is the fact that the artist died at the premature age of 35, limiting his entire lifetime production to under 400 total artworks. Within that number, his sculptures are exceedingly rare; he only created around twenty-six total, most of which are held in museums such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rauantiques.my.salesforce.com\/sfc\/p\/A0000000JY02\/a\/8X000000Mkwr\/_r4uxYiGjjJa8_gf3TQ_8yguH7YnCN6LUqZNokwL0Hg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMuseum of Modern Art (New York), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the Tate Gallery (London).\u003c\/a\u003e Modigliani suffered from tubercular meningitis his entire life, which ultimately limited his ability to continue to pursue the physical and laborious art of sculpting, emphasizing this bronze’s importance and rarity with the artist's oeuvre.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The other editions of this series can be found in public collections worldwide, including Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the exterior of the Casa Natale Modigliani in Rome, which houses the Modigliani Institut archives. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conceived in 1910. Posthumous, contemporary casting circa 2006. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bears the foundry mark of Paolo Olmeda as well as the artist’s signature and edition number “1\/8” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/landing.rauantiques.com\/modigliani-insights\/\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSee auction comparables and market data\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 24\" wide x 34\" deep x 90\" high\u003cbr\u003e Base: 35 3\/4\" wide x 45 3\/4\" deep x 28\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44422086721671,"sku":"31-4791","price":1850000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-4791_1.png?v=1775582550"},{"product_id":"pietre-dure-plaque-of-ancient-artisan-by-alberto-menegatti","title":"Pietre Dure Plaque of Ancient Artisan by Alberto Menegatti","description":"A young man clad in classical robes paints an amphora vase as an attractive admirer observes him in this magnificent pietre dure plaque by Florentine artisan Alberto Menegatti. The work is emblematic of the charming scenes of rural life that were favored by Italian pietre dure artists. The superlative quality and beauty of the stone specimens utilized to create the composition distinguish this piece, and the artist’s ingenious use of the natural striations and inclusions in his stones allows him to convey texture and shadow to brilliant effect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The art of pietre dure developed from the ancient art of opus sectile, where materials were cut and inlaid into walls and floors to form a decorative pattern. The meticulous technique requires that fine marbles and stones be carefully and artfully inlaid into a stone base. Both expensive and time-consuming, the art of pietre dure requires not only precious materials but also highly skilled craftsmen. As a result, true marble and stone examples such as this are very rare and highly collectible. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work is featured on page 207 of Anna Maria Massinelli’s book, \u003cem\u003ePainting in Stone\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"A. Menegatti\" (upper right) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 19 7\/8\" high x 14 1\/8\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 24\" high x 17 7\/8\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873683734663,"sku":"31-0257","price":38500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-0257_1_7c0d65f2-fbf7-4351-b9a1-1de97f499e3e.png?v=1770667564"},{"product_id":"pietre-dure-plaque-with-lion-by-tito-francolini","title":"Pietre Dure Plaque with Lion by Tito Francolini","description":"This extraordinary Florentine work of art has the appearance of a painted scene, but upon closer inspection is revealed to be a superb example of the art of \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e. Composed by Tito Francolini, the piece depicts a scene of a lion attacking a snake in the desert composed entirely of polished hardstone in place of paint. This composition is particularly impactful, with each piece of stone carefully chosen for both its color and pattern to perfectly convey the drama and movement of the scene. The dynamism of Francolini's choice of stones, including onyx, colored marbles and lapis lazuli, and the precision of their cuts make it a true masterpiece. These and other hardstones come together to create a work of such cohesion as to have the perfect \u003cem\u003etrompe l'oeil\u003c\/em\u003e effect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Due to the intricacy and time-consuming nature of the craft, pietre dure artisans like Francolini had a very niche and high-wealth clientele. Few could afford such precious pictures crafted in stone, so pietre dure artists created pieces such as this on a commission basis for important clients. The most desirable works from this period display remarkable realism and intricacy in their execution, with a preference for rural subjects and natural landscapes, all qualities referenced in the present work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The art of \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e developed from the ancient art of \u003cem\u003eopus sectile\u003c\/em\u003e, where materials were cut and inlaid into walls and floors to form a decorative pattern. Florentine craftsmen revived the art during the Renaissance, and the first known hardstone workshop was established by the Medici family in 1588. Quickly growing in popularity, the art was also practiced in courts throughout Europe, most especially in the courts of Naples, Madrid, Prague and Paris. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work is featured on page 20 of Anna Maria Massinelli’s book, \u003cem\u003ePainting in Stone\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated 1900 (en verso) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 8 3\/4\" high x 12 5\/8\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 14 5\/8\" high x 18 1\/4\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44518927204487,"sku":"31-4937","price":48500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-4937_1.png?v=1777556188"},{"product_id":"piccadilly-circus-by-fortunino-matania","title":"Piccadilly Circus by Fortunino Matania","description":"Fortunino Matania\u003cbr\u003e 1881-1963 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePiccadilly Circus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Matania” (center, on bus)\u003cbr\u003e Watercolor and gouache on paper \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional watercolor and gouache composition by famed Italian artist Fortunino Matania exudes the energy and dynamism for which the artist is revered. Entitled \u003cem\u003ePiccadilly Circus\u003c\/em\u003e, Matania’s canvas captures the very essence of London in the early 20th century, when fashion, art and culture flourished with boundless energy. Matania depicts the historic thoroughfare in the evening, as vehicles and pedestrians alike traverse the square.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e With splashes of color and a keen eye for detail and fashion, Matania crafts a nostalgic narrative, documenting an evening in the busy Piccadilly Circus in downtown London. The streets are aglow with the golden light of lanterns and storefronts, contributing to the romance of the setting in the bustling city center. In a whimsical twist, the artist has rendered a number of iconic and important historical figures into the painting, including King George V, well-dressed and smoking a cigar near the center of the painting. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born to a family of painters in Naples in 1881, Fortunino Matania is renowned today as a colorist and illustrator that produced countless iconic Also known for his paintings of World War I and trench warfare, his luminous palette and creative range garnered the young artist. At the age of 20, he began working in Paris for \u003cem\u003eL’Illustration Française\u003c\/em\u003e, and beginning in 1908 he regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy. He was elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1917, and his illustrations and paintings were published widely including \u003cem\u003eIllustrated London News, London Magazine, Nash’s, Printer’s Pie\u003c\/em\u003e among others. His works are recognized for their narrative depth and documentarian quality and remain widely prized by collectors today. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paper: 13 3\/8\" high x 20 3\/4\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 22 3\/4\" high x 29 3\/4\" wide x 1 5\/8\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e P. \u0026amp; V. Berko, \u003cem\u003e19th Century European Virtuoso Painters\u003c\/em\u003e, Knokke 2011, p. 509, illustration p. 228.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41913601130631,"sku":"31-6871","price":68500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6871_1_760b5219-53f5-485f-b7f6-882ccd019eb1.png?v=1726266495"},{"product_id":"pietre-dure-of-the-morning-bath","title":"Pietre Dure of The Morning Bath","description":"This incredible Italian \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e is made up of a show-stopping variety of hardstones, creating a magnificent narrative scene. The hardstones recreate the composition of a popular painting by Benjamin Vautier entitled \u003cem\u003eThe Morning Bath\u003c\/em\u003e. Vautier's painting was reproduced in several print materials, but no other reproductions match the astounding meticulous details of this breathtaking \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e. Rendered in polished hardstones and marble, this plaque captures the charming scene of early morning bath time as a baby stands wobbly in a wooden tub. The scene is emblematic of the charming genre scenes favored by Italian \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e artisans.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The art of \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e developed from the ancient art of opus sectile, where materials were cut and inlaid into walls and floors to form a decorative pattern. The meticulous technique requires that fine marble specimens and stones be carefully and artfully inlaid into a stone base. The method was both expensive and time-consuming, requiring not only precious materials but also highly skilled craftsmen. As a result, true marble and stone \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e works such as this are very rare and highly collectible. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 11 5\/8\" high by 15 5\/8\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 20 1\/4\" high by 24\" wide by 2 1\/8\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874307702919,"sku":"31-6722","price":39850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6722_1_c2bec96c-0c99-450c-9783-b009411d31b7.png?v=1772352701"},{"product_id":"pietre-dure-plaque-of-village-children","title":"Pietre Dure Plaque of Village Children","description":"Magnificent and colorful, this enchanting Florentine work of art is not a painting, but upon closer inspection is revealed to be a superb example of the intensive art of \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e. Depicting a charming scene of a mother catching her children in the act of a mischievous prank. Rather than paint, this sumptuous piece uses hundreds of different kinds of polished marble and minerals to make this playful scene come to life. Each piece is carefully chosen for color and pattern, cut with the utmost precision and precisely inlaid onto a stone base, thereby creating an image of such beauty and skill as to have the perfect \u003cem\u003etrompe l'oeil\u003c\/em\u003e effect.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e, also known as \u003cem\u003epietra dura\u003c\/em\u003e, first developed in antiquity, and originally consisted of shaping stones with small saws, wires and other metal instruments and adding them to decorative objects such as vases or small sculptures. The art was revived during the Renaissance by Italian craftsmen, and the first hard-stone workshop was established by the Medici family in Florence in 1588. The art was also practiced at the courts of Naples, Madrid, Prague, Paris and elsewhere. The Italians were particularly fond of \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e and used the technique on everything from monumental cabinets to tiny boxes. From the late 16th century, the colorful stones were arranged on furniture as landscapes and flower scenes. These items were also popular with wealthy aristocrats making their Grand Tour through Italy in the 18th and 19th centuries, who bought them in droves and even sent larger pieces home. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The technique requires that fine marbles and stones be inlaid into a stone base. By using materials of varying colors, artisans were able to create patterns and pictures in much the same manner as a mosaic. The technique was expensive, requiring not only precious materials but also highly skilled craftsmen. As a result, many works were completed using imitation marble and are known as \u003cem\u003escagliola\u003c\/em\u003e. True marble and stone \u003cem\u003epietre dure\u003c\/em\u003e works such as this are very rare and highly collectible. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"M Zaccagnini\" (lower right) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1880 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Plaque: 17\" high x 22 1\/4\" wide (43.18 x 56.52 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 22\" high x 27 1\/8\" wide (55.88 x 68.9 cm)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874954543239,"sku":"31-8540","price":98500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8540_1.png?v=1772357144"},{"product_id":"la-casta-susanna-by-urbano-lucchesi","title":"La Casta Susanna by Urbano Lucchesi","description":"Urbano Lucchesi\u003cbr\u003e 1844 - 1906 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLa Casta Susanna\u003cbr\u003e (The Chaste Susanna)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This elegant statue entitled \u003cem\u003eLa Casta Susanna\u003c\/em\u003e depicts the virtuous biblical figure Susanna, expertly crafted by Italian sculptor Urbano Lucchesi—the most important sculptor of nineteenth-century Lucca, Italy. The narrative of Susanna—found in versions of the Book of Daniel—portrays her as a virtuous wife unjustly accused of adultery by two elders when she rejects their advances. Daniel's intervention reveals discrepancies in the elders' stories, ultimately vindicating Susanna and highlighting her moral integrity. Numerous artists have depicted this narrative, notably during the early Christian era and the later Renaissance and Baroque periods. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This stunning marble statue presents Susanna in a classically inspired pose, her figure exemplifying an elegant contrapposto crafted by a master artisan. A sheet covers her form in modesty, carved to appear soft and light—a remarkable achievement in marble. Likewise, her features are rendered with an expert hand, appearing almost lifelike in stone. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Urbano Lucchesi, renowned for his significant contributions to the artistic heritage of Lucca and beyond, is the most prominent artist in nineteenth-century Lucca. His works are integral to the city’s cultural landscape, with prominent sculptures adorning its streets and squares. Notable works include busts of Giuseppe Mazzini, Benedetto Cairoli and Vincenzo Consani, as well as monuments to Giuseppe Garibaldi and the fallen of Italy’s battles. Lucchesi’s influence extended to Florence, where he created the monument to Donatello outside the sculptor’s studio, and to Viareggio, where he crafted the impressive monument to the romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLa Casta Susanna\u003c\/em\u003e is not only a stunning representation of a biblical tale but also a sculpture that embodies the artistic and cultural essence of its era. Statues of the same figure can be seen in museums worldwide and at churches such as the Santa Maria di Loreto. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Lucchesi” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed “La Casta Susanna” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 54 1\/2\" high x 15\" wide x 14 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43511184130183,"sku":"31-8802","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8802_1_0cf44c73-91e7-4a84-af35-a89139f0a9e9.png?v=1764593387"},{"product_id":"marcus-aurelius-equestrian-bronze","title":"Marcus Aurelius Equestrian Bronze","description":"A rare Italian bronze from the Baroque age, this extraordinary equestrian statue depicts the famed Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius—one of the most respected emperors in Roman history. This masterfully executed sculpture depicts the legendary figure with a commanding grandeur and sophistication that is reminiscent of the best works from its era. Exhibiting a remarkable level of detail, the sculpture deftly captures the emperor's air of power and presents an impressive study in both anatomy and expression. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The impactful work is modeled after the monumental ancient equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius currently held in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. Originally erected circa 175 CE in either the Roman Forum or the Piazza Colonna, today it is the only intact bronze statue of a pre-Christian Roman emperor to have survived the ages. The present work remains true to the over-life-sized original, with the emperor exuding a sense of dignity while atop his steed, presumably overseeing a public ceremony. The horse itself is a magnificent example of equine anatomy and dynamism. Captured in motion, the horse and its venerable rider are compelling from every angle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Few pre-19th century bronze versions of the ancient masterpiece are known. Examples are currently held in the Bargello National Art Museum in Florence and the National Trust's Saltram House in Devon. The Saltram House bronze, attributed to Giovanni Zoffoli (c. 1745-1805) and Giacomo Zoffoli (c. 1731-1785), is nearly identical to the present sculpture, though it stands on a slightly different base. The statue is also depicted on the reverse of the 0.50 euro coin, and a true-to-size replica can be found on the campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This bronze masterfully captures the essence of its imperial subject with a remarkable sense of strength and realism. Truly bringing the ancient world to life, the figure is a rare treasure of Italian artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1780 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26\" high x 10\" wide x 13\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41812958937223,"sku":"31-9171","price":28500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9171_1.png?v=1726233459"},{"product_id":"young-st-john-the-baptist-by-domenico-menconi","title":"Young St. John the Baptist by Domenico Menconi","description":"Masterfully carved with remarkable detail, a youthful Saint John the Baptist folds his hands in prayer in this stunning marble by the important Italian sculptor Domenico Menconi. The adolescent John is represented with his signature curly hair and shawl of camel's hair, both rendered with an astonishing lifelike texture. He is posed in a graceful contrapposto with eyes upturned, which adds a dynamic sense of movement to the work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A ribbon at the child's feet bears the inscription \"Ecce Agnus Dei,\" which translates to \"Behold the Lamb of God,\" a title first used by John the Baptist in reference to Jesus. As the patron saint of Florence, many Italian sculptors—including Michelangelo—represented the saint in a variety of ways, sometimes with the Virgin and Jesus as infants and sometimes as an adult bearing a cross. Michelangelo's 1495 version was famous for being one of the earliest to represent John as a young boy of only 5 or 6 years old, a model that Menconi has chosen to follow here. Evoking childlike innocence and pure beauty, this magnificent marble displays the extraordinary technical accomplishment and neoclassical grace for which Italian sculptors of this era are so loved. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 38\" high x 13 1\/2\" wide x 13\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42085911494791,"sku":"31-9178","price":29850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9178_1.png?v=1736063445"},{"product_id":"pair-of-carrara-marble-busts-of-the-emperor-napoleon-and-empress-marie-louise","title":"Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise","description":"\u003cem\u003e\"I am a true Roman Emperor; I am of the best race of the Caesars—those who are founders.\" –Napoleon Bonaparte, 1812\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Among the most iconic and celebrated figures in history, Napoleon Bonaparte's legacy has been immortalized in countless works of art. Yet few pieces carry the personal significance and rarity of this extraordinary pair of Carrara marble busts, almost certainly commissioned by the Emperor himself. These stunning sculptures, depicting Napoleon and his second wife, Empress Marie Louise, stand as some of the most exceptional examples of Napoleonic busts not currently housed in a museum—masterpieces of both historical and artistic importance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The busts were likely imperial commissions created to adorn key locations during Napoleon’s reign, embodying the grandeur of his empire. After Napoleon fell from power, these sculptures passed from his personal collection to the next most significant ruler of 19th-century France: his nephew, Emperor Napoleon III. During his reign, both busts were prominently displayed at the imperial Château de Compiègne, one of Napoleon III’s most important palaces. Following his abdication in 1870, the Emperor and Empress Eugénie took the busts with them into exile in England. They were among the few treasured possessions they could bring. After Napoleon III’s death, the busts were separated by Empress Eugénie and later reunited in 1936 by the esteemed Parisian art dealer Élie Fabius. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As a visionary leader and cultural influencer, Napoleon was known to commission only the finest artists to craft his likeness in marble. The bust of Empress Marie Louise is signed by the renowned Italian sculptor Gaetano Matteo Monti of Ravenna, likely created around 1810 to commemorate her marriage to the Emperor. Monti’s skill in rendering her delicate features in marble exemplifies his exceptional talent, immortalizing her elegance in stone. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The accompanying bust of Napoleon, attributed to the celebrated sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, was almost certainly carved earlier, around 1807. Bartolini was one of Napoleon’s favored artists, personally selected by the Emperor to direct the prestigious Carrara sculpture workshop in 1807. The exemplary craftsmanship of this bust, particularly the detailed laurel wreath and the nuanced portrayal of Napoleon's facial musculature, is consistent with Bartolini’s renowned imperial bust now housed at Versailles. This attribution places Napoleon's bust as one of the finest not presently housed in a museum collection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The only other similar pair of marbles is the one attributed to Angelo Pizzi at the Museo Correr in Venice, highlighting the exceptional rarity and quality of our pair. The finesse of the carving and the elegant compositions of these busts surpass their Venetian counterparts, suggesting that the Pizzi busts in Venice may have been modeled after these superior works by Bartolini and Monti. Napoleon revered the legendary leaders of the Roman Empire—especially the military genius of Julius Caesar—and many of his iconic images, including these busts, posed Napoleon and his Empire as heirs to the great dynasty of Caesars. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Standing on beautiful matching bases, these monumental busts possess both an imposing presence and an undeniable beauty. Their storied provenance—having graced the imperial residence of both Napoleon I and Napoleon III—makes them an extraordinary find. To own these very works, once displayed with pride by two of history’s most significant rulers, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These busts are more than fine marble sculptures. They are tangible links to the grandeur and legacy of the Napoleonic Empire, embodying the iconic reign and strategic genius of one of the most legendary leaders in history, Napoleon Bonaparte. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Marie Louise signed \"GMR\" for Gaetano Matteo Monti of Ravenna \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1807 and 1810 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Napoleon: 30 1\/16\" high x 24\" wide x 12 1\/2\" deep\u003cbr\u003e On base: 74 3\/8\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Marie Louise: 30 9\/16\" high x 20\" wide x 13 1\/8\" deep\u003cbr\u003e On Base: 74\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_31-9781.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eProvenance of the Bust of Napoleon:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned by Napoleon I, Château de Compiègne (likely), circa 1807\u003cbr\u003e The personal collection of Emperor Napoleon III at Château de Compiègne\u003cbr\u003e Thence to Napoleon III’s widow, the Empress Eugénie\u003cbr\u003e Gifted to Firmin Rainbeaux by Empress Eugénie on 18th April 1881\u003cbr\u003e By descent from Firmin Rainbeaux to his son Félix Rainbeaux\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, “Succession de M. Félix Rainbeaux, Fils de Firmin Rainbeaux, écuyer de l’Empereur Napoleon III souvenirs napoléoniens: fusils, pistolets, couteaux de vénerie, dagues, miniatures etc,” 23rd October 1936, lot 267\u003cbr\u003e Élie Fabius, purchased from the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Stuttgart, Germany\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Galerie Koller, Zurich, 2nd November 1995, lot 4162, with bust of Marie Louise, both illustrated on the front cover\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Switzerland\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eProvenance of the Bust of Marie Louise:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned by Napoleon I, Château de Compiègne (likely), circa 1810\u003cbr\u003e The personal collection of Emperor Napoleon III at Château de Compiègne\u003cbr\u003e Thence to Napoleon III’s widow, the Empress Eugénie\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Hampton \u0026amp; Sons of London, “English and French Furniture, the Remaining Library, Porcelain, Sculpture, Bronzes, Table Plate, China and Glass Services, Pictures, Drawings, Prints, Vintage Wines etc” from Empress Eugénie’s home at Farnborough Hill, Hampshire, 18–27th July 1927, lot 1328\u003cbr\u003e Élie Fabius, purchased from the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Stuttgart\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Galerie Koller, Zurich, 2nd November 1995, lot 4162, with bust of Napoleon, both illustrated on the front cover\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Switzerland\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Georges Mauguin, “L’Iconographie Napoléonnienne au Palais National des Arts”, in \u003cem\u003eRevue de l’Institut Napoléon\u003c\/em\u003e, 1er trimestre, 1938; opposite p. 40, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Gérard Hubert, \u003cem\u003eLa Sculpture dans l’Italie Napoléonienne\u003c\/em\u003e, 1964, p. 349, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Galerie Koller, Zürich, Sale catalogue, \u003cem\u003eEine Hochbedeutende Europäische Privatsammlung: Napoleonica, möbel, bronzen, pendulen, skulpturen, gemälde, miniaturen\u003c\/em\u003e, 02 November 1995, lot 4162, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Gérard Hubert and Guy Ledoux-Lebard, \u003cem\u003eNapoléon, portraits contemporains bustes et statues\u003c\/em\u003e, 1999, p. 98, pl. 70, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Olivier Gabet, \u003cem\u003eUn marchand entre deux empires - Élie Fabius et le monde de l’art\u003c\/em\u003e, 2011, p. 77\u003cbr\u003e Enrico Noè, “Lo scultore Angelo Pizzi (Milano 1775–Venezia 1819)” in \u003cem\u003eSaggi e Memorie di storia dell’arte\u003c\/em\u003e, vol. 36, 2012, p. 264, pl. 48 \u0026amp; p. 265, pl. 49, illustrated \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eExhibited:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Musée National de Malmaison, \u003cem\u003eDe Napoleon Ier à Napoleon III, Souvenirs de la Famille Impériale, Conservés par l’Impératrice Eugénie dans sa Résidence de Farnborough et Provenant de sa Succession\u003c\/em\u003e 1928, no. 15, p. 10\u003cbr\u003e Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris, \u003cem\u003eSouvenirs du Roi de Rome\u003c\/em\u003e, 1932, no. 209\u003cbr\u003e Bibliothèque National, Paris, \u003cem\u003e318 Lettres de Napoléon à Marie-Louise\u003c\/em\u003e, 1935, no. 10\u003cbr\u003e Palais National des Arts, Paris, \u003cem\u003eChefs d’Oeuvre de l’Art Français\u003c\/em\u003e, 1937, nos. 1105 \u0026amp; 1106\u003cbr\u003e The World’s Fair, New York, \u003cem\u003eFive Centuries of History Mirrored in Five Centuries of French Art\u003c\/em\u003e, 1939, no. 322, pl. LV \u0026amp; no. 323, pl. LIV","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231128420487,"sku":"31-9781","price":1650000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9781_1_6f3246a8-b8cc-49da-b85d-30668472d908.png?v=1758656468"},{"product_id":"cleopatra-by-oscar-spalmach","title":"Cleopatra by Oscar Spalmach","description":"Oscar Spalmach\u003cbr\u003e 1864-1917 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eCleopatra\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exquisite 19th-century white and grey marble sculpture of Cleopatra, signed by Oscar Spalmach and created in the renowned Studio O. Andreoni in Rome, captures the tragic grace of one of history's most important figures. Spalmach masterfully portrays Cleopatra in a poignant moment of introspection, just before her famous and fateful decision to take her own life. As she gazes at her arm, Cleopatra appears lost in contemplation, reflecting on the act she is about to commit—placing a venomous snake upon it. The sculpture conveys her inner turmoil and resolve, capturing the complexity of her final moments with striking realism. The intricate details—from the finely rendered folds of her garments to her dignified yet resigned expression—showcase Spalmach's remarkable ability to imbue marble with lifelike emotion and texture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oscar Spalmach, working within the studio of Orazio Andreoni—a name synonymous with excellence in Italian sculpture—exhibited his work at the World's Fairs and across Europe, gaining recognition for his contribution to the art world. The collaboration within Andreoni's studio, noted for its influential role in the artistic renaissance of the period, offered Spalmach an unparalleled platform for his talent. This sculpture, likely produced under Andreoni's supervision, stands as a testament to the studio's legacy and Spalmach's artistry, securing their place in the pantheon of great sculptors. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brief History of Cleopatra:\u003cbr\u003e Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, remains one of history's most compelling figures, celebrated for her intelligence, political acumen and legendary beauty. This sculpture is said to be one of the finest portrayals of the ancient queen in existence. Born in 69 BCE, Cleopatra ascended the throne alongside her brothers, later consolidating power as sole ruler. Cleopatra's reign was marked by alliances and relationships with two of Rome's most powerful figures, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, through which she sought to preserve Egypt's independence amidst Roman expansion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e After the defeat of her and Antony's forces at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, and Antony's subsequent suicide, Cleopatra faced the prospect of capture by Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus). Rather than endure humiliation as a captive in Rome, she chose to take her own life in 30 BCE. According to tradition, she used a venomous snake, to administer the fatal bite. This act symbolized both her defiance of Roman domination and her desire to control her own fate, solidifying her legacy as a powerful and tragic figure in history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 75\" high x 37\" wide x 30\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43743333580935,"sku":"31-8588","price":278500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8588_1.png?v=1769785547"},{"product_id":"portrait-of-emilienne-le-roy-by-giovanni-boldini","title":"Portrait of Emilienne Le Roy by Giovanni Boldini","description":"Giovanni Boldini\u003cbr\u003e 1842-1931 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePortrait of Emilienne Le Roy\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A dazzling display of Giovanni Boldini’s signature style, \u003cem\u003ePortrait of Emilienne Le Roy\u003c\/em\u003e captures the essence of Belle Époque elegance. Boldini, known as the “Master of the Swish,” infused his portraits with movement, vitality and an unparalleled sense of grandeur. Painted in 1913, this portrait embodies the grace and dynamism that made Boldini the most sought-after portraitist in Parisian high society. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Rendered in Boldini’s unmistakable fluid strokes, the portrait pulses with energy, as though caught in a fleeting moment of motion. His characteristic loose, swirling brushwork lends an ethereal quality, while the play of light across the figure enhances Le Roy’s presence. Her elegant pose, draped in flowing fabrics, epitomizes the aristocratic glamour of pre-war Paris. Boldini’s ability to merge realism with impressionistic dynamism is fully realized in this composition, showcasing why his work remains unparalleled in the canon of portraiture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Boldini was the premier portraitist of the Belle Époque, capturing the era’s most famous figures, from the Marchesa Casati to the Duchess of Marlborough. Emilienne Le Roy (1894–1980) was among the select Parisian socialites who vied for the privilege of sitting for him. His portraits, treasured for their vivacious energy and modern spirit, have been collected by the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Boldini Museum in Ferrara, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Petit Palais in Paris, which recently hosted a major retrospective of his work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Painted 1913 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 37 5\/8\" high x 27 3\/4\" wide (9557 x 70.49 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Framed: 47 1\/4\" high x 37 1\/2\" wide x 3\" deep (120.02 x 95.25 x 7.62 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_32-0364.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This painting was exhibited at The European Fine Art Fair. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Artist’s studio (inventory no. 29T)\u003cbr\u003e Emilia Cardona Boldini (widow of the artist)\u003cbr\u003e Tino Rossi\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Milan\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e C.L. Ragghianti, E. Camesasca, \u003cem\u003eL'Opera completa di Boldini, Rizzoli Editore\u003c\/em\u003e, Milan, 1970, no. 512, reproduced in black and white, p. 128.\u003cbr\u003e T. Panconi, \u003cem\u003eGiovanni Boldini. The complete work\u003c\/em\u003e (General catalogue raisonné), Edifir, Florence 2002, p. 551\u003cbr\u003e P. Dini, F. Dini, \u003cem\u003eGiovanni Boldini. 1842-1931. Catalogue raisonné\u003c\/em\u003e, Allemandi, Turin 2002, vol. IV, p. 546, n. 1058\u003cbr\u003e Giovanni Boldini. \u003cem\u003eGeneral catalogue from the Boldini archives\u003c\/em\u003e, edited by B. Doria, Rizzoli, Milan 2000, n. 620 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Boldini: The Genius of Line, the Magic of Color, Campobasso, November 27, 2021 – April 18, 2022\u003cbr\u003e Femme Fatale: The Female Figure in the Belle Époque, Between Archetype and Emancipation, Montichiari, November–December 2022","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44540610052231,"sku":"32-0364","price":885000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0364_1_f7e5f6f0-9a3f-4a2a-831b-ecee33a73f87.png?v=1779132155"},{"product_id":"the-night-after-james-pradier","title":"The Night after James Pradier","description":"After James Pradier\u003cbr\u003e 1790–1852 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Night\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e White marble on a grey marble socle \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Drifting in a dreamlike ascent, this exquisite allegorical sculpture, \u003cem\u003eThe Night\u003c\/em\u003e, pays tribute to James Pradier’s iconic vision of feminine beauty and romantic symbolism. Executed in luminous white Carrara marble, the work once belonged to the celebrated actress and sculptor Gina Lollobrigida. Pradier’s ability to imbue classical forms with emotion and sensuality is fully realized here, in a scene that radiates both serenity and mystery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The female figure lifts a flowing cloak above her head while a cherubic putto beneath her presents a garland of flowers. With one hand shielding her eyes as if to retreat from the waking world, the maiden embodies Night as both protector and dream-bringer. The natural finish of the marble accentuates the softness of her skin and the subtle movement of fabric and hair, giving the work a sense of ethereal lightness and grace. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The composition is a masterful homage to Pradier’s 1846 works \u003cem\u003eLa Nuit\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLe Jour\u003c\/em\u003e, celebrated examples of Romantic sculpture. Pradier, a Prix de Rome-winning sculptor, was widely regarded for his neoclassical forms infused with emotional vitality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This marble was once part of the private collection of Italian actress, sculptor and photojournalist Gina Lollobrigida, one of the most iconic stars of European cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as “La Lollo,” she began her artistic life studying sculpture in Rome before achieving international fame in films such as \u003cem\u003eFanfan la Tulipe\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBeat the Devil\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eTrapeze\u003c\/em\u003e. Lollobrigida later returned to sculpture and became a renowned photojournalist, capturing powerful images of global figures including Indira Gandhi, Salvador Dalí and Fidel Castro. A passionate art collector with refined taste, she curated a personal collection that reflected her lifelong dedication to beauty and the arts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1900 \u003cbr\u003e On base: 78 1\/2\" high x 26 5\/8\" wide x 24\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Estate of Gina Lollobrigida, Italy\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231147491463,"sku":"32-0835","price":168500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0835_1.png?v=1758656338"},{"product_id":"the-water-carrier-by-eugen-von-blaas-1","title":"The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas","description":"Eugen von Blaas\u003cbr\u003e Italian I 1843-1932 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Water Carrier\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated \"E. von Blaas 1891\" (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Eugen von Blaas’ unparalleled skill for genre painting is on display in this exceptional oil, entitled \u003cem\u003eThe Water Carrier\u003c\/em\u003e. This luminous painting perfectly captures the spirit of Venice through the charm of its alluring inhabitants—two of von Blaas' favorite and most celebrated subjects. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The work centers a young Venetian woman during the course of her chores as she carries filled water vessels. Layer upon layer of fine glazes were applied to create the rich, blushing skin tone of the Italian beauty, while her vibrant clothing lends mesmerizing detail to the scene. Von Blaas' precise technique, combined with the work's luminous palette, creates a sense of immediacy and warmth that defines the best of von Blaas' Venetian genre paintings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in 1843 to Austrian parents in Italy, von Blaas was raised in a household steeped in artistic tradition. His father, Karl Blaas, was a renowned portraitist and history painter, while his brother specialized in military scenes. When Karl was appointed professor at the Venice Academy of Fine Arts, the family relocated to the floating city—a move that profoundly shaped von Blaas’ artistic vision. Though he studied in Rome, Vienna and Paris, it was Venice that remained his greatest muse. Captivated by its light, architecture and everyday moments of romance and social interplay, he became the foremost painter of Venetian genre scenes. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e During Venice’s Austrian rule, von Blaas adopted the Italianized name “Eugen de Blaas” for his local clientele, while retaining “von Blaas” for his Austrian patrons. His works were widely exhibited throughout Europe, including at the Royal Academy, Grafton Gallery and New Gallery between 1875 and 1892, earning him international acclaim. Today, his paintings remain highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike, prized for their technical brilliance and timeless charm. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1891 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 35 1\/2\" high x 16 1\/2\" wide (90.17 x 41.91 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 45 1\/2\" high x 26\" wide x 2 3\/4\" deep (115.57 x 66.04 x 6.99 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, United States\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44254100947079,"sku":"32-1263","price":165000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1263_1.png?v=1774964010"},{"product_id":"venetian-scene-by-martin-rico-y-ortega","title":"Venetian Scene by Martin Rico y Ortega","description":"Martin Rico y Ortega\u003cbr\u003e 1833-1908 | Spanish \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eVenetian Scene\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Rico\" (lower left)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Spanish artist Martin Rico y Ortega captures a charming view of a canal in Venice in this luminous oil on canvas. The artist's portrayals of the legendary City of Water are celebrated for both their unique vantage points and vibrant color, two qualities that are fully realized in the present work. Not only is his intricate attention to detail on display in the reflections of the water and the architectural detail, but Rico y Ortega also reveals his remarkable skill at capturing the personality and atmosphere of this iconic city in the 19th century. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Rico y Ortega was born in El Escorial, Madrid, where he received his formal education at the San Fernando School. Soon after graduating, he began studying plein air composition, traveling throughout Spain for his artistic inspiration. His efforts paid off when he won a government-sponsored scholarship to study art in Paris, where he was influenced by the Barbizon School. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He traveled to Italy in 1872, where he became fascinated by the splendor of Venice. From that moment on, he spent numerous summers living in Venice, sketching buildings and landscapes from a gondola. In 1878, he won the third-place medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle and was also made an officer of the French Legion of Honor. That same year, art critic Paul Lefort wrote of Rico y Ortega in \u003cem\u003eLa Gazette des Beaux-Arts\u003c\/em\u003e: “Although a fanatic when it comes to light, and an aficionado of rare and augmented color tonalities which, in his works, resemble precious stones, he refrains from overstepping the limits of human vision.” Similar Venetian scenes by Rico y Ortega reside in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 16 1\/4” high x 21 1\/4” wide (41.28 x 53.98 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 29 1\/4” high x 34 3\/8” wide x 5 3\/4” deep (74.30 x 87.31 x 14.61 cm)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43749912182919,"sku":"32-2162","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2162_1.png?v=1769777149"},{"product_id":"the-vendor-of-antiquities-by-ettore-forti","title":"The Vendor of Antiquities by Ettore Forti","description":"Ettore Forti\u003cbr\u003e c. 1850-1940 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Vendor of Antiquities\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"E. Forti Roma\" (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This captivating canvas by renowned Italian artist Ettore Forti is a sophisticated meditation on history and imagination, emblematic of the late 19th century’s fascination with the Classical past. Set within a richly appointed Roman interior that opens onto a sunlit street, the composition centers an exchange between a seller of antiquities and his well-dressed patrons. Forti brings the scene to life with theatrical precision, capturing every detail as well as the personalities of his sitters. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Forti was known for his rigorous study of ancient cultures, drawing his inspiration for his architecture, interior decor and sculptural objects from documented Roman wall paintings and public collections. From the intricate mosaic floor to the elegant klismos chair, these rich historical details lend this painting a sense of authenticity and allure, inviting the viewer into the warm atmosphere of this bygone era of antiquity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The artist also displays his talent for capturing figures with delightful immediacy. The vendor’s animated gesture contrasts with the contemplative pose of the seated woman, whose languid elegance is framed by the austere figure in white standing next to her. By the late 19th century, intimate scenes of ancient Greece and Rome had become especially sought after, reflecting both advances in archaeology and a broader cultural desire to visualize daily life in classical civilizations. Artists like Forti embraced a mode of photographic realism, meticulously researched yet emotionally charged, to present antiquity as idealized and alluring. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Forti was a leading practitioner of classical genre painting who worked primarily in Rome. His works were widely exhibited and collected, appealing to an international audience. Today, his works belong to prestigious museum collections, including the J. Paul Getty Museum, and this particular work once belonged to the great Gianni Versace, who amassed an extraordinary collection of artwork over 20 years before his untimely death in 1997. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 20 1\/2\" high x 32 1\/2\" wide (52.1 x 82.6 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 29 1\/8\" high x 41\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep (74 x 104.1 x 6.4 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Sotheby's London, June 14, 1995, lot 60\u003cbr\u003e Gianni Versace, acquired at the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Sotheby's New York, April 2005, lot 70\u003cbr\u003e Private collection\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44209687625863,"sku":"32-2124","price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2124_1.png?v=1774962825"},{"product_id":"venetian-harbor-by-felix-francois-georges-ziem","title":"Venetian Harbor by Félix-François Georges Ziem","description":"Félix-François Georges Ziem\u003cbr\u003e 1821-1911 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eVenetian Harbor\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Ziem” (lower left)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The city of Venice was a favorite subject of French artist Félix-François Georges Ziem. In this atmospheric composition, Ziem captures the city's bustling harbor, where sailboats, gondolas and working vessels gather beneath a vast blue sky. The masterwork celebrates both the grandeur of Venice's architecture and its everyday commerce, while serving as an exceptional study of light and color. Influenced by the ideals of the Barbizon School, Ziem employs brilliant contrasts of light and shadow to animate the composition and evoke the city's luminous atmosphere. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ziem originally planned to become an architect until \"disciplinary\" problems caused him to lose his scholarship to the Academie d'architecture of Dijon in 1841. Upon his dismissal, he decided to embark on a journey to Rome on foot. It was during this time that his hobby of painting became his life's work. He executed hundreds of sketches of the lands he came across, often selling or trading them for food. No other city struck him as did Venice, with its network of waterways and outstanding architecture–he immediately fell in love. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ziem's infatuation with the city would last throughout his career and would become the subject of his most desirable and striking paintings. Several of the artist's renditions of Venice appear in the permanent collections of some of the world's most prestigious museums, including the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He would return to Venice again in 1845, this time spending three years sketching the city from nearly every possible angle. Ziem completed several paintings upon his return to France and submitted them to the 1849 Paris Salon with great success. He continued to exhibit at the Salon until 1868, then again from 1888 until his death. His work made him one of the most sought-after artists of his day, so much so that in 1864, he was honored to have Queen Victoria herself under his tutelage. In 1857, Ziem was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, rising to the rank of Officer in 1878. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th\/Early 20th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 26 1\/4” high x 43 1\/2” wide (66.7 x 110.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 40” high x 56 3\/4” wide x 4 3\/4\" deep (101.6 x 144.2 x 12.1 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Boston\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Miami\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44936333459591,"sku":"32-2726","price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2726_1.png?v=1781904147"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/italian-fine-art.oembed?page=3","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}