John French Art

This museum quality old master oil on canvas formal portrait painting depicting the family of the Count Zanardi is signed by the artist- the female painter Lucia Casalini Torelli- and published in a book dedicated to Casalini Torelli’s workshop and academy. This palatial masterpiece artwork comes directly from the ancient Villa Maraini Guerrieri - Palidano di Gonzaga (Mantua), an historic Italian heritage building owned by the descendants of the family portrayed for more than two centuries, until 1998. The big scale of this oil on canvas masterpiece painting states the relevance of Lucia Casalini Torelli as a painter. The present artwork is a formal family portrait painting that aim to introduce the characters depicted according to their social role in the society. The noble family is all gathered under a loggia overlooking a park, the landscape in the background is partially covered by a beautiful red cloth on the right side. The father stands up and holds the hand of his eldest son, proudly introducing his future heir. The son wears a light-blue dress and red boots, he is depicted in a serious pose holding a black tricorn hat under his arm and a rapier sword on his belt. The mother wears an elegant gold and dark green brocade dress, she is sitting with her youngest daughter on her knees while her second son is by her side. The little daughter wears a lovely long red and dress with white lace and holds an apple on her hand. The son stands next to his mother and is dressed in a brown priestly clothes. This palatial old masters piece was probably painted in 1740 due to the similarities with Cardinal Doria’ s portrait, now on display at the Doria Palace Museum, the official residence of the Prince of Genoa. The painting features original canvas (“prima tela”) and antique original patina, it is in excellent overall condition considering the age, use and its large scale. A formal detailed condition report and the results of the inspection with the UV lamp accompanied by photos is available on request. As well as for its exceptional quality and quite perfect state of conservation, this painting is particularly important and even more valuable both for the artist who painted it and for its absolutely exclusive provenance. Lucia painted the most prominent and powerful noble families of her time, the location of these paintings is unknown to the art market as it is extremely likely that the portraits are still kept in private collections. Furthermore, Lucia was one of the most appreciated artists of her time, so important that she was admitted as a member of the academy at a time when women were forbidden to attend these studies. In 1706, Felice Torelli...

This charmingly impressionist oil still life depicts an antique copper pot, a glass bottle, and two artichokes by French artist Raymond Bailly, 1970s. Original artwork on paper dis...

Exceptional oil on paper still life painting of an artist's palette and supplies by French artist Raymond Bailly, 1967. Original one-of-a-kind artwork on paper displayed on a whit...

Warmly hued oil on paper still life of open wooden box with artist's supplies spilling out, circa 1930. Signed lower right. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with ...

Lovely oil on paper landscape of autumn colored trees lining a small pathway in a park by artist Raymond Bailly, 1966. Original one-of-a-kind artwork on paper displayed on a white ...

Vibrant French oil still life painting of violin in blue lined violin case by artist Raymond Bailly, circa 1965. Signed lower right. Original artw...

Spectacular oil painting on paper of an elegant bouquet of roses in a decorative pitcher sitting upon a leather bound book by French artist Marrot, 1942. Signed and dated lower left....

Oil painting of four figures under a light by French artist Bidaud, circa 1990. Signed lower right. Original one-of-a-kind artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold bor...

Vibrant still life painting of Shell and Yacco motor oil containers, a reflective silver bucket, and a cork-stopped glass bottle by an un...

Mid-century abstract in oil and tempera by French artist Hervet in cool tones of blues and purples, signed lower right. Original artwork on paper dis...

French painting of modern figure in satirical pose by artist Raymond Bailly, circa 1960. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Archival plastic sl...

Eye catching oil on paper of an outdoor flower market brimming with colorful blooms by French artist Raymond Bailly, circa 1970. Original one-of-a-kind artwork on paper displayed on...