Art

Francesco Vanni is one of the last representatives of the long Sienese pictorial tradition. In this masterly composition in pen and ink wash, he presents the Virgin of the Rosary, holding the Child Jesus on her lap, surrounded on her right by Saint Dominic and on her left by Saint Catherine of Siena. The presence of these two emblematic saints of the Dominican order is a reminder of the devotion of this order to the Rosary. 1. Francesco Vanni, a Sienese painter of the Counter-Reformation Francesco Vanni was the most important Sienese painter of the late sixteenth century and a key Italian Counter-Reformation painter. He developed a very specific style, inspired not by Florentine models but rather by the Roman, Bolognese and Marche schools, and in particular by the work of his contemporary Federico Barocci (Urbino 1535 - 1612), despite the two artists never meeting. Francesco Vanni was born in Siena around 1563-1564. His father died in 1567 and his mother remarried Arcangelo Salimbeni (1536 - 1579), then one of Siena’s leading painters. His half-brother Ventura Salembini (1568 - 1613) also became a well-known painter. He continued his apprenticeship in Bologna and Rome, where he joined the painter Giovanni de Vecchi’s (1536 - 1614) studio, where he was greatly influenced, like other Tuscan painters of the time, by the art of Federico Barocci. He devoted himself mainly to religious painting, following the canons of the Counter-Reformation. Travelling between Siena, Rome, Bologna and Parma, in 1604, he settled in Siena, where he ended his life. Vanni was also an important member of the Confraternity of the Sacro Chiodo, renowned for its demanding religious practices. His legacy also includes some important engraved work. 2. Description of the artwork The Virgin is depicted enthroned in majesty, slightly taller than the other figures that she dominates from her pedestal. Her wide robe with marked folds evokes Renaissance statuary. She is crowned by two angels in the sky. These two angels are a reminder of the custom of adding angels to crown 13th century icons which was frequent at Vanni’s time. The Child Jesus is standing on the Virgin’s right knee. With her left hand she holds out a rosary to Catherine of Siena, identifiable by a branch of lily in her hand. In a symmetrical gesture, the Child Jesus also holds out a rosary to St Dominic. Two of St Dominic’s attributes are to be found at the foot of the Virgin: a book and a branch of lilies. Vanni gives particularly delicate treatment to St. Dominic's long and slender hands. The two outstretched rosaries form the link between the heavenly register of the Virgin and the Child Jesus and the earthly register of the two Dominicans who are not crowned with a halo. This and the fact they are followed by a large crowd, indicates that they are both represented as part of the multitude of the living called to pray to the Rosary. According to the classical iconographic tradition, it would be plausible to consider that the figure looking at the viewer on the extreme left of the drawing could be a self-portrait of the painter. Francesco Vanni's face is known to us from a self-portrait kept in the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Siena. The squaring of the drawing suggests that it was used for a larger-scale altarpiece, probably for a church dedicated to St Dominic or for a Dominican convent. As of today, we have not identified the painting for which this drawing served as a preparatory modello. The Madonna of the Rosary in the Cathedral of Pitigliano (painted by Francesco Vanni in 1609) differs quite significantly from our drawing by the addition of Pope Pius V, and the inclusion of St. Dominic and St. Catherine in the celestial register. We believe that our drawing predates this painting because of its more symmetrical composition, and less Baroque influence. The presence of Saint Catherine of Siena, particularly venerated in his native town, to which Francesco Vanni returned frequently from 1590 onwards, leads us to propose a date of around 1590 - 1600 for this drawing. 3. The Rosary and the Dominican Order In order to clarify the iconographic meaning of this artwork, it is worth recalling the role of Saint Dominic in the spread of the Rosary prayer. Dominic Nuñez de Guzman was born around 1170 in Caleruega (near Burgos) in Spain and died in 1221 in Bologna, Italy. He was the founder of the order of friar preachers, commonly known as the Dominicans. He was canonised by the Church in 1234 and has since been celebrated under the name of Saint Dominic. After three days of prayer in the forest of Bouconne, near Toulouse, Dominic is said to have received the Rosary as a means of converting the Cathar population. The Dominicans subsequently made a special effort to promote this form of meditative prayer. Pope Pius V, a Dominican, included the feast of the Rosary (on October 7th) in the liturgical calendar in 1571. Rosary prayer has evolved over the centuries and traditionally consists of the recitation of three rosaries (four since St John Paul II). Each rosary consists of five tens of "Hail Mary...

View of Semlin is an Original Litograph realized by an unknown artist in 19th Century. The little artwork is in good condition. No signature, title in Yugoslawien.

Beggar in a High Cap, Standing and Leaning on a Stick is an engraving on ivory-colored paper realized bu Charles Amand Durand after an etching by Rembrandt dated 1630. This wonderful...

(after) JOSEPH MALLORD WILLIAM TURNER (1775 - 1851) THE DELUGE, 1828. Mezzotint, Engraved by I. P. Quilly after a painting by J. M.W. Turner R.A.. Image ...

Cesare Gennari (Cento, 1637 - Bologna, 1688) Rinaldo holds back his beloved Armida Oil on canvas - 119 x 164 cm. - In frame 141 x 189 cm. The work is accompanied by a critical study written by prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna) This valuable work can be ascribed to the production of Cesare Gennari (Cento, 1637 - Bologna, 1688), and depicts the episode of the last canto of the heroic poem the 'Gerusalemme Liberata' by Torquato Tasso, which features the two famous lovers...

Brown ink and wash on laid paper with a grapes and vine watermark, 6 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches (168 x 164 mm). Laid down to Fellows watermarked wove paper, with uniform age tone, areas of light discoloration, and attenuation of pigment. Unevenly trimmed margins, and paper tape remnant from having been tipped-into a scrap book...

The landscape is an engraving on ivory-colored paper realized by Charles Amand Durand after an etching by Rembrandt. This wonderful piece of art belongs t...

Wonderful 18th century Irish or English portrait, attributed to the Irish painter Nathaniel Hone. Nathaniel Hone was born in Dublin but by 1748 had set...

Portrait of a man is an original artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind",...

Original etching on paper realized by Ferdinando Campana in the 18th century. Signed on the plate, on the lower right. Good conditions. The etching belongs to the print suite “Ant...

Studio of Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641, Flemish) Study of a Head of Man Circa 1627-32, Van Dyck’s second Antwerp period Oil on paper, laid down on canvas Dimensions 15 x 14 inches...

Tiziano Vecellio (Pieve di Cadore 1490 - Venice 1576) follower of Portrait of the emperor Julius Caesar (Rome 100 BC - 44 BC), inscribed above C. IVLIVS. CAESAR Portrait of the Emperor Octavian Augustus (Rome 63 BC - 14 BC), inscribed on top OCTAVIANUS II ROM IMP 17th century oil painting on canvas Measurements (cm.): 65 x 50, with frame 81 x 68 cm. The Latin writer Suetonius with his work 'De vita Caesarum' (and in particular with his tradition in the vernacular of 1543, edited by the Florentine scholar Paolo del Rosso) inspired Tiziano Vecellio who, in 1537, painted for Duke Frederick II of Gonzaga portraits of the eleven emperors, adorning the walls for a small room in the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua, later known as the Cabinet of the Caesars. These effigies were intended to establish the link between the new era and classicism with its splendor, as well as to celebrate the value and wisdom of the rulers, who perceived themselves, in their lordships, as valiant new emperors. Titian's paintings soon became enormously popular and many patrons and lords of the time, including Ferdinando d'Avalos, Marquis of Pescara and Governor of Milan or Vespasiano Gonzaga, turned to the workshop of the Cremonese Bernardino Campi...

Woman In Front Of The Stove III is an engraving on ivory-colored paper by Charles Amand Durand realized after Rembrandt (date of realization 1658). This wonderful piece of art belon...

Portrait After Raphael is an original artwork realized by Thomas Trotter (1756 - 1803). Original Etching from J.C. Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledg...

The present is one of the many prints John Thomas Smith produced of English cottages and vernacular architecture. This example, a view of a cottage in Edmonton, is closely related to...

WILLIAM HOGRTH (1697 - 1764) MR. GARRICK IN THE CHARACTER OF RICHARD THE 3RD (Shakespear Act 5 Scene 7) (Paulson 1970.165 ii/ii; Paulson 1989.165 ii/ii;, Dobson and Armstrong p. 20...

Hermes, Ancient Roman Statue, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Nicola Fiorillo in the 18th century. Signed on the plate, on ...

Claude Sauthier was born in Geneva on February 2, 1929, died in Geneva on October 4, 2016. Follows the School of Decorative Arts in Geneva to become a graphic designer. Shortly afte...

Emilian Caravaggesque painter of the early seventeenth century Alessandro Tiarini (Bologna, 1577 - 1668), attributable Madonna and Child Early seve...

Giovanni Paolo Castelli called Spadino (Rome 1659 - Rome 1730) Still life Oil on canvas, cm. 81x31 - with frame cm. 92x41 Shaped and gilded wo...

The Fourth Oriental Head is an engraving on ivory-colored paper realized by Charles Amand Durand after an etching by Rembrandt dated 1635. This wonderful piece of art belongs to an e...

The Physiognomy - The anger is an original etching artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to Promote the Knowledge and the L...

Portrait is an original artwork realized by Paton Thomson (1750 - 1821 ca.). Original Etching from J.C. Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge and the L...

Sleeping Boy is an original modern artwork realized in the 16th century by Giovanni Fontana. Ivory colored sheet attached on an ivory colored cardboard (...

English School 17th Century Portrait of Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl of Essex Oil on canvas Image size: 24 x 20 inches Giltwood decorated frame PROVENANC...

Animal Figures from Ancient Rome, from the Series "The Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed", is anoriginal etching from the end of the 18th century, made by Various Old Masters...

Ancient Roman Fresco, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Francesco Cepparoli in the 18th century. Signed on the plate on the ...

Artist Commentary: A cold foreboding fantasy with a dark blood red sky... Keywords: Abstract, minimalist, blue, red, brown, purple, plant, flower, still-life Artist Biography: Robert Crooker was born in Massachusetts in 1951. A life long Red Sox fan, he saw the likes of Frank Malzone, Yaz, George Scott, Rico, Jim Lonborg all play in years gone by. He has been married for over 27 years with 4 children, and 2 grandchildren. In the Mid-1970’s, Robert started collecting Vintage Disney Collectibles...

While still life painting can be dated back to the Ancient Egyptians, this still life takes on a modern theme. A crystal decanter and whiskey glass are set upon a piece of fraying tapestry. The curiosity comes when the viewer takes a closer look to discover a bee has flown in and is perched precariously on the neck of the decanter. This piece is framed in a heavy wooden frame with a gold insert. The framed dimensions are H 14.5 x W 16.5 inches. Matthew Cook...

Jan Frans Soolmaker (Flanders 1635‑1685) Shepherd with Sheep, Cows and a Goat in a Landscape oil on relined canvas canvas size 56 x 53 cm frame i...

Wonderful Early 19th-century Still life of different fruits on an earth bank. Very much painted in the same way as George William Sartorius painted his still lives this piece has al...

Profile of Ancient Roman Bust, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an original etching on paper realized by Francesco Cepparoli. Signed on the plate, on the lower right....

Portrait of a man is an original artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind",...

Portrait of a man is an original artwork realized by John Thornthwaite for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind"...

Ancient Roman Fresco, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Carlo Nolli in the 18th century. Signed on the plate on the lower rig...

Lips Portrait is an original artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge a...

The White Arab is an engraving on ivory-colored paper realized by Charles Amand Durand after an etching by Rembrandt dated 1630. This specimen belongs to an edition of the late 19th ...

Human Heads from Ancient Rome, from the Series "Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed", original etching from the end of the 18th Century, made by Various Old Masters. In very good con...

Ancient Roman Relief, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Carlo Oraty in the 18th century. Signed on the plate on the lower rig...

Ancient Roman Statue , from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Francesco Cepparoli in the 18th century. Signed on the plate, on the...

A fine pair of oil paintings, oil on board depicting views of the Thames one showing houses of parliament the other barges in busy shipping lane. Framed and Glazed the size being 26 ...

Ancient Roman Bas-Relief, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Vincenzo Campana in the 18th century. Signed on the plate on the ...

S Lawson Booth : Country House in extensive landscape with cattle in the foreground, oil on canvas signed and dated '98, 60cm x 90cm (35x23 inches approx image) size with frame appro...

Ancient Roman Statue, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Vincenzo Campana in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate on the lower...

The Physiognomy - Animals Muzzles is an original etching artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to Promote the Knowledge and...

GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI (Italian 1720-1778) VEDUTA del SEPOLCRO della Famiglia PLAUZIA per la strada che Conduce da Roma a Tivoli vicino a Ponte Lugan...

The Arcadian Landscape Italian School, 18th century oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 32 x 40 inches condition: excellent condition for its age, fully restored. provenance: from a private collection in Paris, France. Large scale classical 18th century Italian Old Master...

Wonderful 18th century English gouache on paper of a 18th century English scene of a man on his horse with his dog in a landscape One of a set of five all framed in Hogarth frames. ...

John Dalziel Kenworthy portrait of a gentleman . Fine, large and imposing oil on canvas housed in a gilt frame. The sitter is unidentified, he has an aristocratic and characterful lo...

Early 19th century etching entitled "Veduta dello scavo del Foro Trajano" from Luigi Rossini's "Le Antichita Romane" (Ancient Rome), published in Rome in 1823. It depicts the historical victory column of Trajan standing amidst broken ancient Roman columns that lie around it. The column in Trajan's Forum commemorates Roman emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. Buildings in the background represent two libraries and the Basilica Ulpia. There are people in the foreground; some walking through the square, some standing observing the scene and others in discussion. The etching is presented in a silver-colored wood frame with an off-white double mat with a black inner mat. It is in very good condition. See item # LU117324669702 for another Rossini etching...

Vintage Impasto Oil Painting of River Mountain Scene in Wales by British Artist Charles Wyatt Warren (1908-1993) Art measures 21 x 9 inches Fram...

Antonio Stom (Venice c. 1688 - 1734) Architectural Capriccio oil on canvas, cm. 88 x 113 - with frame cm. 106 x 132 Carved, sculpted and gilded wooden frame Expertise: Giancarlo S...

Portrait of Women and Children is an original artwork realized by James Neagle for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promo...

Phoenix and Cupid in Ancient Roman Decoration, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Vincenzo Campana in the 18th century. Signed...

19th / 20th century painter Work on canvas Brown wooden frame 64 x 75 x 3 cm

Portrait of a man is an original artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind", ...

Portrait of Heidegger is an original artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankin...

Portrait of a manis an original artwork realized by Thomas Holloway for Johann Caspar Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind", Lo...