Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Gaspare Diziani (Belluno 1689 – Venice 1767)
Allegory of Sleep (or of Night)
19 x 39 cm. In a fine frame with Rococo carvings, 37 x 56 cm.
Provenance: Hampel Fine Art Auctions, Munich, July 4, 2018, Lot 467 estimate € 25,000 - 35,000 (link)
This little gem of Venetian Rococo painting depicts a fascinating allegorical composition of Sleep: at the center, a reclining female figure with large wings representing Night (Nyx), one of the primordial deities of Greek mythology and protector of rest.
The woman holds a bouquet of poppies in one hand and wears a crown of flowers and poppy capsules, a dreamlike symbol that, in reference to opium, is associated with deep sleep and Morpheus, since its hypnotic properties induce oblivion, rest, and dreams.
At her side, two small sleeping cherubs, in a state of complete physical abandonment, symbolizing the soporific effect of the night: one lies asleep in the foreground on a golden drape, while the other, on the right, rests reclined with his head resting on his arm.
These are the children of Night, the twins Hypnos and Thanatos, who, according to classical mythology, are the divine personifications of Sleep and peaceful Death (hence the famous Latin phrase consanguineus lethi sopor, “sleep is the brother of death”).
In antiquity, the image of sleeping cherubs was considered an allegory of eternal sleep and liberation from earthly toil: the overall atmosphere of the work appears soft and languid, created specifically to visually convey the sensation of nocturnal rest and tranquility.
Of beautiful quality and in excellent condition, the canvas exhibits characteristics indicative of its Venetian origin, due to the chromatic exuberance and the liveliness of the brushwork; in particular, the work bears a traditional attribution to the master Gaspare Diziani (Belluno 1689 – Venice 1767), a refined figure in the Venetian art scene of the 18th century.
We recognize his typical use of color, with a palette of vibrant tones, and of soft chiaroscuro, with light distributed effectively to create a beautiful sense of depth and volume. In the color scheme, the triad of red, yellow, and blue is reinterpreted here in pastel tones, in keeping with the late Baroque style.
Having arrived in Venice from Belluno around 1710, Diziani was first a pupil of Gregorio Lazzarini, the last provincial exponent of Baroque tenebrism, and then of Sebastiano Ricci, whose teaching was decisive in shaping a style of painting rich in texture, chromatic emphasis, and strong, energetic brushwork.
Initially devoted to theatrical set design, during the second decade of the century his work took him to Dresden, to the court of Augustus III of Saxony, and to Munich.
In 1720, his presence in Venice is documented once again, but we also know he was active in various cities throughout the Veneto region, painting works of significant artistic merit, particularly in Belluno and Padua.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The sold work comes complete with an antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and warranty.
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You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
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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.
