About this lot

Description

Female figures from the frescoes at the Villa of Cicero, Pompeii: Allegory of Autumn and a ' Danzatrice ' water and bodycolour over an etched line on paper with margins drawn in colour (2) 47.3 x 36.8cm; 46.5 x 36cmFootnote: Michelangelo Maestri is mainly known for his bodycolours that he based on the then only recently discovered wall frescos in Pompeii. The drawings, which are often over etched outlines became very popular amongst travellers on their Grand Tour. Besides Roman frescos, the artist also drew inspiration from Renaissance artists such as Giulio Romano (c.1499-1546) and Raphael (1483-1520). The first of the works in the present lot is from the series of Seasons, based on the frescoes in the triclinium of the Villa of Cicero in Pompeii discovered on 25th May 1748 (now at the Archaeological Museum of Naples, inv. 9295). The second is from the fragments of a fresco of seven flying female figures found in the villa on 18th January 1749 (inv. 9297). CONDITION:Discolouration and toning to the margins. Slight staining along the edges. Slight mildew to the surface. The figures painted over printed base. On laid paper. Both unframed. Old paper hinges.

Back to lot listings