Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Francesco Lavagna (Naples, 1684–1724)
Pair of floral still lifes
oil on canvas 44 x 34 cm. with frame, 52 x 43 cm.
An elegant pair of floral compositions, consisting of sumptuous and varied bouquets—featuring roses, carnations, tulips, bellflowers—overflowing from two distinct vases: one in white and light blue porcelain with landscape decorations, the other gilded and embossed in the classic amphora shape, both resting on stone pedestals.
The characteristics of these works allow us to easily place them within the typical body of work by Francesco Lavagna (Naples, 1684 –1724), one of the best-known figures in early 18th-century Neapolitan still life alongside Gaspare Lopez, both of whom trained in Andrea Belvedere’s studio.
This is an excellent example of the aesthetic level and expressive qualities achieved by the painter, who was capable of creating lively compositions with great aesthetic impact and a characteristic rocaille style, while also demonstrating a fine chromatic sensibility, enhanced by skillful use of glazing and varying layers of paint.
A distinctive and recurring element in his artistic compositions—a veritable “trademark”—is the white majolica vase with blue decorations featured in the first painting. In fact, Lavagna often included ceramic vases, jugs, and plates in delicate shades of blue to create luminous contrasts with the vivid colors of flowers and fruits.
The presence of these objects reflected the era’s taste for fine craftsmanship circulating in the port of Naples, including pieces inspired by Oriental porcelain.
Neapolitan still life, once sought after by major collectors and intended to adorn the most beautiful palaces in Naples, found a prominent exponent in Francesco Lavagna, who was much beloved by such patrons, with his canvases—never mundane and endowed with a descriptive power of remarkable visual impact.
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.
