Deromedis (XX) - Vecchio con Pipa

Suggestive original oil painting from 1932, signed C. Deromedis, depicting a bearded man intent on smoking a pipe.

The work is executed in oil on a rigid panel prepared for painting, specifically an original “Winton Oil Colour Sketching Board” produced by Winsor & Newton Ltd., London, as documented by the manufacturer's mark still clearly visible on the back.

The portrait shows a strong expressive component. The attention is focused on the thoughtful face of the character, on the hands that hold the pipe and on the smoke dispersing into the background. The palette uses predominantly warm, brown and ochre tones, contrasted by the vivid green of the garment and the dark tones of the headdress and jacket.

The work bears in the upper left the signature “C. Deromedis” and on the support the date 28-10-32, corresponding to October 28, 1932.

On the back there is the original stamp:
“WINTON – OIL COLOUR SKETCHING BOARD – WINSOR & NEWTON LIMITED – 38 RATHBONE PLACE, LONDON W.1 – MADE IN ENGLAND”

The painting is completed by an important gilded frame richly worked in relief, with decorations in botanical motifs, which gives the whole piece a notable presence.