Cesare Bentivoglio (1868-1952) - Natura morta

A suggestive Italian still life executed in oil on canvas and referable to the first half of the 20th century.

The composition, developed in the unusual decorative panoramic format, depicts a rich arrangement of peaches, clusters of white and dark grapes, vine shoots and leaves. The painting is characterized by a warm palette, with pinkish, purplish and greens, and by a free, bright brushwork particularly evident in the rendering of the grape clusters and the foliage.

On the back of the stretcher there is an ancient handwritten inscription in pencil readable as “Bentivoglio.” For subject, period and stylistic characteristics, the work is proposed as attributed to Cesare Bentivoglio (Genova, 1868–1952), Italian painter known mainly for landscapes, seascapes and still lifes. However, no visible signature has been identified on the painting surface and the attribution should therefore be considered cautious.

The painting is housed in its gilded and decorated wooden frame.
Dimensions overall with frame: approximately 74 × 33 cm.
Canvas dimensions: approximately 68 × 28 cm.

Conservation conditions: the work shows signs of time, oxidation and yellowing of the varnish, surface dirt, light abrasions, small losses and thinning of the painterly film, more evident along the right edge. The canvas still appears mounted on its wooden frame. A professional conservative cleaning is recommended, which could substantially improve the brightness of the colors.

The photographs are an integral part of the description.