Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660) workshop
Cupids at Play Amusing Themselves with Venus’s Chariot
Oil on canvas 56 x 165 cm. Framed 63 x 172 cm.
The painting depicts a festive mythological scene with numerous cherubs engaged in an allegorical game, captured as they hold the reins of Venus’s chariot—golden and richly decorated—an emblem and symbol of the triumph of love and beauty.
Seated triumphantly on the chariot is Cupid, recognizable by his bow and the quiver he carries on his shoulder, pulled by other small cherubs and winged cupids, who move in a sort of procession or dance, expressing an atmosphere of festive joy.
To the right of the scene, a cherub runs with his head turned toward the chariot, trying to pull it along by means of a thin blue ribbon, while his companion, who should be assisting him at his side, has fallen to the ground and is in despair, adding a touch of spontaneity to the composition. Stylistically, the work evokes the Emilian Baroque and, in particular, the compositions of the Bolognese painter Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660), famous for his allegorical scenes teeming with cherubs and known for the grace of his mythological scenes immersed in the idyll of nature.
Notable is the composition titled ‘The Dance of the Cupids’, created by Albani and now in the Brera Art Gallery, a work that has always enjoyed extraordinary critical and public acclaim, and was certainly taken as a source of inspiration by the author of our work.
Looking more closely at the work, the children’s naked bodies stand out thanks to a skillful use of light against a dark, wooded background.
Although it is difficult to make a precise attribution among the numerous pupils of Albani’s prolific workshop, we can note that our canvas is distinguished by a very refined technique, a careful and fluid hand, capable of delving into details and maintaining a clear color palette.
In Renaissance and Baroque art, the iconographic choice of the Chariot of Venus is traditionally associated with the triumph of Love over all things.
The happy, carefree cherubs praising Cupid for having fulfilled his mission symbolized the overwhelming power of romantic love, profane love, and the protection of the new union.
It is therefore plausible that our painting, given its symbolic value, was commissioned as a betrothal gift or wedding present, intended for the couple’s bedroom.
Delevery information :
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
We take great care We personally take care of the packaging, to which we devote a great deal of care: each work is carefully packed, first with arti- cle material, then with a custom-made wooden box.
Should you have the desire to see this or other works in person, we would be happy to welcome you to our gallery in Riva del Garda, Viale Giuseppe Canella 18, we are always open by appointment only.
