Petrocelli Arturo (1856 - 1926 ) - Il falconiere

ARTURO PETROCELLI

Napoli, 1856–1926

“ The Falconer ”

19th century
Oil on canvas
Signed bottom right: “A. Petrocelli”
Work published
Dimensions: 90 x 53 cm in frame
Canvas: 67 x 31 cm

Description

Important and articulated historical-scene in costume, set outdoors in front of a monumental architecture. In the center of the composition an elegant group of gentlemen and ladies in seventeenth-century attire is gathered around the figure of the falconer, while on the left a character raises an arm on which the bird is perched.
The scene unfolds horizontally in a nearly theatrical arrangement. Petrocelli concentrates the narrative core in the central area, dominated by the young lady with a wide pinkish robe, around whom he places knights, dignitaries, heralds, and other figures. In the foreground a kneeling man introduces an additional narrative element and enhances the depth of the composition.
The description of historical costumes, feathers, armor, weapons, and draperies is particularly accurate. The chromatic vivacity of the central figures contrasts with the darker, more atmospheric tones of the architecture, while the landscape opening on the left gives the scene room to breathe.

The work testifies to the historical-narrative aspect of Petrocelli’s production and his training in the Neapolitan academic environment. The artist, son of painter Vincenzo Petrocelli, indeed attended the Naples Academy of Fine Arts and was a pupil of Domenico Morelli; he devoted himself especially to figure painting and genre painting, regularly participating in the exhibitions of the Promotrice Salvator Rosa.

Period and context

The work is referable to Arturo Petrocelli’s nineteenth-century production, most likely in the last quarter of the 19th century, approximately:

circa 1880/1890

The reconstruction in costume, the scenographic setting, and the attention to historical narration reflect the Neapolitan painting culture in which Petrocelli trained, and in particular the Morellian teaching, albeit adapted by the artist to a more anecdotal and narrative dimension.

Historical sources document Petrocelli at national exhibitions as early as 1877 and 1883 and as a regular exhibitor of the Neapolitan Promotrice between 1875 and 1896.

Signature
Bottom right there is the cursive signature:
“A. Petrocelli”

Frame
The painting is presented within an important carved and gilded wooden frame of historicist taste, consisting of multiple concentric orders of mouldings.
The inner gold band, relatively wide and inclined toward the painting, is accompanied by successive decorations with fluting and twisted motif; the dark outer profile creates an elegant chromatic contrast with the gilding.

Condition Report
Overall conservation status: good, compatible with the age.
The canvas appears mounted on an antique wooden frame, visible on the back; a localized intervention with a patch of canvas is visible in the upper right area of the reverse, indicating a previous repair.
The painting surface shows widespread craquelure, particularly evident in the lighter areas and in the architectural fields, along with abrasions, minor wear, and surface unevenness consistent with the age of the work.

*** Note on photography
The photographic images of the work were taken with the aid of professional studio lighting and spotlights to allow better readability of the composition, details, and painting matter. Such lighting may cause slight variations in color perception and brightness compared with direct viewing of the work. The photographs are for illustrative and documentary purposes only.

The frame is provided free of charge with the work and must be considered an accessory element, not included in the painting’s monetary valuation. Given the natural fragility of antique gilded frames, any damage, detachment, breakage, or loss of parts of the frame occurring during transport or shipping cannot be the subject of refund, indemnity, or dispute related to the work’s value. The packaging will nevertheless be prepared with the utmost care to ensure, as far as possible, safe transport.

Shipping insured
Attributive Expertise Assessment

*** For historical interest reasons the work cannot be shipped outside the European Community / insured shipping in a wooden crate