Italian school (XVII) - „IN ME IPSO SE FALLIT“ – Großformatiges Barockfresko mit Emblem

Extraordinary, large-format fragment of an Italian Baroque wall painting, probably from the 17th century, with an allegorical depiction within a richly designed ornamental cartouche.
At the center of the composition is a landscape with a tree, to the trunk of which a rectangular mirror is attached. In the background, the view opens to a wide landscape with a small architectural group.
The depiction is framed by an elaborately executed gold-ochre Baroque cartouche with curled volutes, foliage, and decorative fruit motifs.
At the lower edge runs a curved, somewhat damaged banderole bearing the Latin motto:
"IN ME IPSO SE FALLIT" – "In myself he deceives himself."
The unusual combination of tree and mirror points to the multi-layered visual language of Baroque emblematic art. The mirror can be understood as a symbol of self-knowledge, perception, or also self-deception.
The depiction belongs to a former, more extensive allegorical fresco cycle, from which other large-format fragments are known with the mottos "DULCEDINE CAPIT" and "PLUS INTUS QUAM FORIS".
The common ornamental design, the characteristic color scheme, and the uniform visual language suggest a coherent decorative program.
The fresco was presumably detached from its original wall bearer over the course of the 20th century using the so-called Strappo technique. In this historical process, the painted surface is released from the wall and transferred to a new carrier.
The fragment has recently undergone conservation work and is mounted on a stable aluminum composite panel (Alu-Dibond) with reinforced backing of wood to the rear.
The original painting shows age- and removal-related missing areas, abrading, and alterations of the surface. These were intentionally not completely retouched in order to preserve the authentic character of the historic fresco fragment.
The visible traces of its history underscore the special appeal and material authenticity of the work.
According to traditional reports from the antique trade, the original architectural context is said to have been in Southern Italy. A solid historical provenance is not established.

• Artist: Italian School, 17th century
• Era: Baroque
• Technique: wall painting, transferred by Strappo
• Subject: Allegorical landscape with tree and mirror
• Inscription: IN ME IPSO SE FALLIT
• Carrier: Aluminum composite panel with reinforced backing of wood
• Condition: Historic substance with age-related missing areas and conservation measures
• Dimensions: 196 × 130 cm

An impressive and rare testament to Baroque wall decoration, notable for its extraordinary format, its allegorical imagery, and its authentically preserved surface.

The work is particularly well suited as a characterful furnishing element for spacious historic as well as modern interiors. The interior photograph shown, if present, is a visualization and serves solely to illustrate the size and impact of the fresco in a spatial context.