About this lot

Description

Attributed to Michelangelo Maestri (Italian, fl. 1796-1812)

Allegorical figures from the frescoes at the Villa of Cicero, Pompeii, possibly from the series of The Hours of the Day or Night
gouache on laid paper
44.5 x 34.5cm, a pair

Michelangelo Maestri is known for his works in gouache that he based on the then only recently discovered wall frescos in Pompeii. His works became very popular amongst travellers on their Grand Tour.

The first of the works in the present lot is directly inspired by one of the flying figures also described as 'Dancers' or 'Danzatrici ' found in 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 subject of the second figure is drawn from one of the seven flying female figures with musical instruments, all fragments of a fresco found in the villa on 18th January 1749 (inv. 9297).

sheet 46.2 x 36.2cm
Framed 56 x 51cm

Scuffs and surface dirt. Wrinkling to the paper.
One examined out of frame. On paper watermarked 'WHATMAN', no date. One loose in its frame.

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