Italian school (XIX) - Studio di corazze e armature rinascimentali






Master in early Renaissance Italian painting with internship at Sotheby’s and 15 years' experience.
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Studio of Renaissance armour and cuirasses, a mixed-media work on fibrous support mounted in a wooden frame, dated 1850 in the XIX century, Italian School (XIX), signed, in good condition, measures 47 x 31.6 cm, sold with frame by Galleria.
Description from the seller
Italian painter of the 19th century
“Study of Renaissance armor and armors” (from the core of three works/studies)
Second half of the 19th century, around 1850–1880
Pictorial technique on a fibrous support applied to a wooden panel in a wooden frame
Dimensions: 47 x 31.6 cm in an accompanying period frame
Description
The work depicts, isolated on a neutral avana-colored background, two torso armor elements inspired by Renaissance models, represented frontally with particular attention to the structure and the assembly systems.
On the left is a complex breastplate protection, consisting of a rigid, shaped upper part and a lower area linked by a succession of overlapping metal plates. The small rivets, dark straps, buckles and gilded borders are carefully described. The strongly contoured and raised upper profile enhances the historical and decorative character of the artifact.
On the right is depicted a second armor element, more compact and rounded, characterized by a pronounced central ridge and broad metal surfaces shaped through light and shadow transitions. Again the edge is outlined by a brown-gold band.
The palette is intentionally restrained: ferrous grays, subdued greens and blues describe steel, while ocher and browns highlight profiles, straps and finishes. Small luminous touches on the rivets simulate the reflections of metal. The background is substantially left without an environment, giving the composition the appearance of a study panel or an antiquarian repertory piece.
This element is important also in relation to the other two works in the series: they do not seem conceived as narrative scenes, but as a true figurative stock of historical weapons and armor, probably derived from observation of ancient specimens or from 19th-century illustrated repertories. The descriptive character suggests a possible use for study, antiquarian, decorative purposes or tied to historical reconstruction.
Support and conservation status
Photographs show that the painting surface does not necessarily appear to be executed directly on wood: it seems more prudent, in the absence of material examination, to describe it as a pictorial technique on a fibrous support applied to a wooden panel.
The support shows widespread patina of time, stains and surface alterations; in the lower left corner there is a clear breach of the surface coating, exposing the underlying layer. There are also abrasions, small marks and irregularities compatible with age and the nature of the object. The readability of the two armors remains good nonetheless.
The simple brown wooden frame, similar to that of the other elements in the series, helps confirm the unitary nature of the core.
*** Note on photographs
Some of the attached photographs have been professionally produced with controlled artificial lighting, using a studio spotlight, to ensure better legibility of the work and to allow a more precise observation of the pictorial surface, figurative details and chromatic range.
The frame is provided with the work as a courtesy and is not a substantial part of the sale. Any imperfections, missing pieces or damage to the frame, including those from transport, cannot be a reason for dispute or for compensation related to the artwork.
- Certificate of lawful provenance and Expertise
- Insured shipment and electronic invoicing
Seller's Story
Italian painter of the 19th century
“Study of Renaissance armor and armors” (from the core of three works/studies)
Second half of the 19th century, around 1850–1880
Pictorial technique on a fibrous support applied to a wooden panel in a wooden frame
Dimensions: 47 x 31.6 cm in an accompanying period frame
Description
The work depicts, isolated on a neutral avana-colored background, two torso armor elements inspired by Renaissance models, represented frontally with particular attention to the structure and the assembly systems.
On the left is a complex breastplate protection, consisting of a rigid, shaped upper part and a lower area linked by a succession of overlapping metal plates. The small rivets, dark straps, buckles and gilded borders are carefully described. The strongly contoured and raised upper profile enhances the historical and decorative character of the artifact.
On the right is depicted a second armor element, more compact and rounded, characterized by a pronounced central ridge and broad metal surfaces shaped through light and shadow transitions. Again the edge is outlined by a brown-gold band.
The palette is intentionally restrained: ferrous grays, subdued greens and blues describe steel, while ocher and browns highlight profiles, straps and finishes. Small luminous touches on the rivets simulate the reflections of metal. The background is substantially left without an environment, giving the composition the appearance of a study panel or an antiquarian repertory piece.
This element is important also in relation to the other two works in the series: they do not seem conceived as narrative scenes, but as a true figurative stock of historical weapons and armor, probably derived from observation of ancient specimens or from 19th-century illustrated repertories. The descriptive character suggests a possible use for study, antiquarian, decorative purposes or tied to historical reconstruction.
Support and conservation status
Photographs show that the painting surface does not necessarily appear to be executed directly on wood: it seems more prudent, in the absence of material examination, to describe it as a pictorial technique on a fibrous support applied to a wooden panel.
The support shows widespread patina of time, stains and surface alterations; in the lower left corner there is a clear breach of the surface coating, exposing the underlying layer. There are also abrasions, small marks and irregularities compatible with age and the nature of the object. The readability of the two armors remains good nonetheless.
The simple brown wooden frame, similar to that of the other elements in the series, helps confirm the unitary nature of the core.
*** Note on photographs
Some of the attached photographs have been professionally produced with controlled artificial lighting, using a studio spotlight, to ensure better legibility of the work and to allow a more precise observation of the pictorial surface, figurative details and chromatic range.
The frame is provided with the work as a courtesy and is not a substantial part of the sale. Any imperfections, missing pieces or damage to the frame, including those from transport, cannot be a reason for dispute or for compensation related to the artwork.
- Certificate of lawful provenance and Expertise
- Insured shipment and electronic invoicing
