Telesforo Franchino (1892-1964) - Primavera

Telesforo Franchino (Turin, 1892 - 1964)
Spring
Technical specifications
Technique: Oil on panel
Dimensions: 50 x 70 cm
- Company: Apposta at the bottom left
Conditions: The work is in good state of preservation.
Accessories: Sold complete with frame.

Estimate: €300
The work 'Primavera' is a mature expression of Telesforo Franchino's talent, an artist who has been able to interpret the Piedmont landscape with a distinctive style and deep sensitivity. Born in Turin, Franchino trained at the Accademia Albertina, developing a preference for en plein air painting that he maintained throughout his career.
His versatility leads him to explore the world of ceramics as well, making him a key figure in the Turin manufacturing company 'Lenci' starting from the 1930s. This experience as a trainer and decorator tangibly influences his painting. As seen in 'Primavera,' his approach is distinctly tactile: oil paint is applied to the panel with dense, vigorous brushstrokes, giving the surface an almost three-dimensional and tactile quality. This technique not only defines the forms but also infuses the entire scene with vibrant energy.
The subject, the rebirth of nature, is a theme dear to the artist, allowing him to showcase his skill in modulating light and orchestrating a palette rich in bright greens and floral tones. The signature, clearly positioned in the lower left corner, attests to the authenticity of this piece.
Proposal with a note of considerable interest, this work represents an excellent opportunity for collectors and art lovers to acquire a significant piece by a painter who has managed to combine landscape tradition with a modern sensitivity to the material.

In-depth look at Technical Features
The work 'Primavera' by Telesforo Franchino stands out for a series of technical choices that define its character and visual impact. Let's analyze them in detail.
The Support: the Table
The choice to paint on a wood panel is not accidental. Unlike canvas, which has a natural flexibility, the panel offers a rigid and stable surface. This compact support allows the artist to work with color more energetically and vigorously, without worrying about distortions of the support. The solidity of the panel is essential to support Franchino's painting technique, which, as we will see, is particularly rich and textured. The dimensions, 50x70 cm, place the work in a classic format, large enough to develop a detailed landscape, yet sufficiently contained to maintain a sense of intimacy and make it suitable for any domestic environment.
The Technique: Olio Materico
Franchino uses oil painting, a technique that ensures brilliance, chromatic depth, and slow drying times, ideal for modulating tones and blending colors directly on the surface. However, the most distinctive aspect is the way the oil is applied. The artist adopts a markedly textured style: the color is not simply spread in thin glazes, but applied in thick, substantial layers, almost sculpted with a spatula or with dense, loaded brushstrokes. Up close, one can appreciate the reliefs and grooves left by the tool, creating a play of light and shadow entirely independent of the drawing. This three-dimensionality of the painting captures the real light of the environment, making the work vibrate and giving it an almost physical vitality.
The Firm: a Seal of Authenticity
The signature, clearly placed at the bottom left, is more than just a name. It is the seal with which the artist concludes their work and claims authorship. Its position, in a corner but clearly visible, is a traditional choice that does not disturb the balance of the composition but serves as a visual anchor point and a guarantee of authenticity. The handwriting itself can be studied to confirm the attribution of the work.
The Frame: Complement to the Work
Finally, the fact that the painting is sold with its frame is an important technical and curatorial detail. The frame is not just an accessory, but an element that interacts with the painting, defining its space and enhancing its chromatic and compositional qualities. A contemporary or carefully chosen frame can complete the artist's vision, serving as a transition between the space of the artwork and that of the viewer.
In summary, every technical feature of 'Primavera'—from the solidity of the board to the three-dimensionality of oil color, up to the signature and the frame—contributes to creating a work that is not just a visual representation but a true artistic object, rich in substance and energy.