Six tempera panels on paper - Early 18th century

Baroque Frame

Small carved and gilded frame from the Baroque period, made in the first decades of the 18th century. The frame is carved in lime wood without applied parts; it is decorated with symmetrical leafy scrolls that end in a coat of arms at the bottom and in a shell on the top, on which a winged cupid flies down, bringing a crown to the figure depicted in the portrait, probably a bride metaphorically represented as Venus, according to the typical attributes, shell and Cupid. The similarity with the more famous frame attributed to Parodi, in which the narration of the Judgement of Paris is depicted, is evident: the moulding of the frame is the same as the two putti placed in the shell, in that case placed at the base of the frame, seem very close, a detail that makes us think of a production by a student of the same workshop.

Grapes, figs, pomegranates and peaches on a capital

Oil on canvas. Signed ‘Max. PF.' on the upper frame of the capital. The still life consists of grapes, pomegranate and peaches placed on a capital, there is also a silver tray in the composition; in the background is a landscape with trees and ruins, on the left is a glimpse of a cerulean sky, barely veiled by clouds. Maximilian Pfeiler made a name for himself with his still lifes in which he placed an architectural fragment in the background of the flowers and fruit, already introducing the taste for ancient ruins that was to become fully established in the 18th century. The painting has been retouched and restored (minor repainting). It is presented in a frame.

Penitent Magdalene, ca. 1750

Oil on canvas. The figure of Mary Magdalene is represented here, as per tradition, with long red hair; with a gesture of painful dedication she fixes her gaze on the crucifix, which she holds with her left hand pressed against her right arm, which in turn is folded in a sign of collected penitence. The whole body is rendered with a splendid counter-twist, which has the effect of making the viewer feel the tension of the moment experienced by the saint. On her left is visible the skull, her traditional attribute, and in the background one can glimpse the outline of the cave in which she is placed. The part of the body emerges, thanks to the intense luminosity of the arms, connected to the red ochre shades of the hair and face, thus also accentuating the erotic character of the scene, recalling the exuberant painting of Rubens, which had a great influence on Crespi's work. This captivating and delightful figure of the Magdalene follows the widespread trend in the 17th and 18th centuries to depict saints with an undertone of human sensuality, revealing the patrons' preference for sacred themes imbued with profane elements. The painting, restored and relined, is presented in a late 19th-early 20th century frame.

Central Italy Late 17th-early 18th century

Small silk tapestry, with some applied inserts in painted canvas, corresponding to the faces and hands of the characters. The scene depicts Plato's Academy, with the philosopher sitting on the ground, his back against a tree, dressed in a cassock and a mantle that drapes him, with his right hand holding a tablet or parchment. He is intent on carrying out a philosophy lesson, with the young students who surround him and with one of whom he is speaking in particular. Behind a rural landscape inhabited by men who are doing agricultural work: some intent in sowing, some in harvesting and some, again, in cutting down a tree with an ax. In the background, to the right of the main group, a turreted construction can be seen, while to the left an ancient herm. Inserted in a coeval frame, molded in several orders with ebonized parts alternating with others veneered in tortoiseshell.

Emilia Half XVIII Century

Group of four Baroque mirrors carved with scrolls and floral motifs, entirely gilded with leaf; the mercury mirrors (one broken) are etched, with figures of classical divinities.