Arturo Petrocelli (1856-1926) - Il falconiere

ARTURO PETROCELLI

Naples, 1856–1926

“The Falconer”

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

Description

Important and articulated historical-scene in period costume, set outdoors in front of a monumental architectural setting. At 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 his arm on which the bird is perched.
The scene develops horizontally with a nearly theatrical arrangement. Petrocelli concentrates the narrative core in the central area, dominated by the young lady with a wide pinkish gown, around whom he places knights, dignitaries, armigers and other figures. In the foreground a kneeling man introduces another narrative element and enhances the depth of the composition.
The description of historical costumes, feathers, armors, weapons, and draperies is particularly accurate. The vivid chromaticity of the central figures contrasts with the browner, more atmospheric tones of the architecture, while the landscape opening on the left gives breath to the scene.

The work testifies to the historical-narrative aspect of Petrocelli’s production and his training in the Neapolitan academic milieu. The artist, son of painter Vincenzo Petrocelli, indeed attended the Naples Institute of Fine Arts and studied under Domenico Morelli; he dedicated himself especially to figure painting and genre painting, regularly participating in the Promotrice “Salvator Rosa” exhibitions.

Period and context

The work can be referred to the nineteenth-century production of Arturo Petrocelli, presumably in the last quarter of the 19th century, approximately:

around 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, although 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
Lower right bears the cursive signature:
“A. Petrocelli”

Frame
The painting is presented within a large, carved and gilded wooden frame, in a historicist taste, composed of several concentric orders of moldings.
The inner gold band, relatively broad and tilted toward the painting, is accompanied by successive decorations with beading and a twisted motif; the dark outer profile creates an elegant chromatic contrast with the gilding.

Condition Report

General state of conservation: good, compatibly with the age.
The canvas appears mounted on an old wooden frame, visible on the back; a localized repair is visible via a fabric patch in the upper right area of the verso, indicative of a previous repair.
The painted surface shows widespread craquelure, particularly evident in the lighter areas and in the architectural planes, together with abrasions, light wear and surface inconsistencies consistent with the age of the work.

*** Photographic note
The photographic images of the work were produced with the aid of studio lighting and professional lamps, in order to allow better legibility of the composition, details and painting material. This lighting may cause slight variations in color perception and brightness compared with viewing the work directly. The photographs are intended solely for illustrative and documentary purposes.

The frame is supplied free of charge as a courtesy with the work and should therefore be considered an accessory element, not included in the painting’s monetary appraisal. Given the natural fragility of old and gilded frames, any damage, detachments, breakages or losses to the frame occurring during transport or shipping cannot be the subject of reimbursement, indemnification or challenge regarding the value of the work. The packing will anyway be prepared with the utmost care to ensure, as far as possible, safe transport.

Insured shipment
Attributive Expertise Assessment

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