19th Century Italian Genre Mutual Admiration Oil Painting by Pompeo Massani

Large Victorian 19th Century Italian fine art genre lady & gentlemen mutual admiration oil painting on canvas. Title Mutual Admiration by Pompeo Massani. Subject portrait genre of a beautiful full length front view depicting a humorous scene Italian high society aristocratic period home interior scene. With the artist shown in the centre dressed in a golden waistcoat wearing a white wig, he is leaning over holding the young lady's hand about to place a kiss on her hand, he is holding his artist brush with his other hand. he is looking at her with admiration and the lady is looking away feeling embarrassed, she is also wearing period costume, wearing a fine red, yellow with golden highlights dress, which is decorated with beautiful flowers, she has a red ribbon tied in her hair and wearing a small black neck-scarf. She is obviously a lady of importance by the way she stands with grace and elegance. This is such an incredible fascinating scene to admire. Over to to the right is an older gentlemen her husband, he is oblivious to the artists advances on his wife which is quite funny, her husband is sitting down wearing a smart long green period jacket which is draped over the back of the chair, clutching his walking stick he is looking admiringly at the huge canvas painting in front of him, which is sitting on the artists easel. It adds mystery as you wonder what the painting he is looking at actually looks like, really thought provoking. A chair is in front with a rolled up canvas on, with other portrait stetches in a folder that are over the floor, near by is fine blue white vase which is full of artists brushes, to the far lower right is the artists palette, shown with various paint colours and a few brushes on, on the other lower flank is a muscial instrument next to a brass planter, with a sheet of music paper on the floor near by. The wooden floor is amazing, with a large red patterned rug. Above to the far left the ladies white umbrella is standing up resting against the turned leg oak table. With a decorative sideboard further back which has a pile of books on a large vase with rose decorations, with 3 tall feathers inside it. Higher up in the background are paintings and sketches shown along the wall along with a Renaissance scene huge rug hanging on the wall also. You can feel the movement in the creases & folds of their clothing they are all wearing. Signed in black paint P Massini in the bottom corner by the known Italian artist Pompeo Massani. Set in an attractive original gilt frame which enhances the painting, with hanging thread on the back ready for immediate home display. Biography of the artist Pompeo Massani was born in Florence Italy in December, 1850 – 1920 he was an Italian painter who mainly depicted costume subjects, often in satirical poses. His paintings have sold at numerous auctions worldwide with the highest recorded price being $66,000 Usd for A Celebration in the Wine Cellar. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence, then studied for three years under Michele Gordigiani. His first important work was the painting: La politica in canonica, awarded a silver medal at the Exhibition of Rovigo of 1879. In 1881 he won the first prize at the Exhibition of Genoa, for the painting: Un brindisi al frate, depicting over 36 figures. The Design Lesson, owned by the Group Gallery and I vecchi celibi; Una partila a carie; Il concerto; In cantina; and Il saluto al gobbo. The made portraits of King Vittorio Emanuele and of the Countess of Mirafiore. Massani painted on tambourines, depicting lively public scenes, including Al teatro delle Marionette, Al circo equestre; Al teatrino; Il giocoliere, e Momento allegro. At the Exhibition of Monaco of 1889, he displayed il Circo equestre. La poesia is a canvas with five figures titled: La politica, che sta per terminare. Massani was named honorary professor of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Florence. In 1887, he was awarded Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy. He often painted elderly individuals engaged in apparent buffoonery or celebrating inebriation. For information about the artist see Christie’s & British Museum. Provenance gallery label verso for Hahn Fine Art Dealers in Albermarle Street Piccadilly in London W1 establised 1870. We only sell paintings based upon subject, quality & significance. So collectible and sought after. Viewings are welcome by appointment only for customer support please send a message thank you. Browse our other exciting Fine Art, antiques & collectibles available in our shop gallery.