Object Description
This is a magnificent pair of antique Italian oil on canvas paintings by Ettore Ascenzi, 19th C, Italian, titled “Music Recitals” signed and inscribed ‘Roma’ .
These beautiful paintings feature full-length portraits of Cardinals chatting, with musicians, during a music recital in a richly decorated interior.
Each is housed within the stunning original Italian carved and gilded scrolling foliate frame.
The artist has used a very vibrant palette of colours and has succeeded in adding some mystery to the scene.
Add this splendid pair to a very special wall in your home.
Condition:
In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 59 cm x Width 79 cm x Depth 8 cm – Frame
Height 43 cm x Width 63 cm – Canvas
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 11 inches x Width 2 foot, 7 inches x Depth 3 inches – Frame
Height 1 foot, 5 inches x Width 2 feet, 1 inch – Canvas
Ettore Ascenzi
was a well known Italian artist of figural subjects who worked in Rome between 1870 and 1908. In the 1870s he entered the prestigious Accademia di San Luca in Rome. His works were primarily on Historical subjects and Roman Views. He specialised in painting interior scenes, Cardinals and portraits, and also worked in water colours. He is well known for his lively and colourful works.
Cardinals in red.
A later, pious explanation led to today’s understanding that the cardinals wear scarlet red as an outward sign of their willingness to shed their blood in defense of the Catholic faith. The purple worn by bishops today is not a true purple, but rather a magenta color.
Our reference: A3680