Alfonso Grassi (1918-2002) - Ritratto di anziano
03
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28
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 | €390 | |
|---|---|---|
| €350 | |
| €310 | |
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Alfonso Grassi’s *Ritratto di anziano* is a signed oil painting on panel from 1930–1940, made in Italy and sold with a frame.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Alfonso Grassi (1918–2002) – Extraordinary Portrait of an Elderly Man – Oil on panel – Signed – Impressive gilded frame
Fascinating and striking oil painting on panel by the celebrated Italian painter Alfonso Grassi (Solofra, 1918 – Salerno, 2002), a refined interpreter of 20th-century Italian figurative painting, particularly admired for his exceptional ability to portray the human soul through portraits of great expressive power.
The work depicts an elderly man with a long gray beard, captured in a moment of deep reflection, his intense, melancholy gaze directed toward the viewer.
His face, marked by the passage of time, is masterfully rendered with vigorous, substantial brushstrokes rich in painterly texture, giving the composition a remarkable vitality and considerable psychological realism.
The treatment of light is particularly captivating: it caresses the subject’s face, highlighting his wrinkles, deep-set eyes, and thick beard through a refined interplay of warm and cool tones.
The ochre, rosy, and golden hues of the complexion harmoniously contrast with the dark tones of the clothing and background, creating an evocative chiaroscuro effect that further heightens the portrait’s emotional depth.
Grassi’s painting goes beyond mere physical likeness, conveying the dignity, fragility, and wisdom of old age and transforming an apparently everyday subject into a composition of great humanity and intensity.
The work is an interesting example of the master’s artistic sensibility, combining figurative tradition, expressive immediacy, and a personal interpretation of reality.
Historical notes on the artist
Alfonso Grassi (1918–2002) was an important 20th-century Italian figurative painter.
Born in Solofra, in the province of Avellino, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, where he came into contact with the great Neapolitan painting tradition.
Throughout his career, he had artistic connections with highly distinguished figures, including Giorgio de Chirico, Pietro Annigoni, and Gregorio Sciltian.
Particularly admired as a portraitist, he created works depicting illustrious figures from contemporary history, including Pope John Paul II, President of the Republic Sandro Pertini, and Giulio Andreotti.
His works are held in important art collections and cultural institutions, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Irpino Museum in Avellino.
His oeuvre is distinguished by its attention to the human figure, rich color, and ability to imbue his subjects with profound psychological depth.
Details of the work
* Artist: Alfonso Grassi (1918–2002)
* Subject: Portrait of an elderly man with a beard
* Period: 20th century
* Technique: Oil on panel
* Style: Figurative, expressive realism
* Signature: Present at the lower right, “A. Grassi,” in red
* Artwork dimensions: 28.5 × 28.5 cm
* Dimensions with frame: 58 × 58 cm
* Overall depth: 7.5 cm
The following inscription is also present on the back of the painting: “Painted by me” “Alfonso Grassi,” as shown in the photographic documentation.
Frame
The painting is enhanced by a magnificent, imposing gilded frame, richly worked with elegant ornamental decorations and raised motifs.
With its generous proportions and striking visual impact, the frame beautifully showcases the work, creating a refined contrast between the brightness of the gilding and the deep tones of the painted composition.
A highly decorative ensemble, especially suited to classic interiors, professional offices, libraries, and collections of 20th-century figurative art.
A work of remarkable expressive intensity that immediately captures the viewer’s attention, and is particularly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of Italian figurative painting.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and allow the quality of the painting, the signature, the surface details, and the frame to be appreciated.
The prestigious gilded frame is included with the painting as a complimentary gift.
Tracked and insured shipping, very careful packaging
Alfonso Grassi (1918–2002) – Extraordinary Portrait of an Elderly Man – Oil on panel – Signed – Impressive gilded frame
Fascinating and striking oil painting on panel by the celebrated Italian painter Alfonso Grassi (Solofra, 1918 – Salerno, 2002), a refined interpreter of 20th-century Italian figurative painting, particularly admired for his exceptional ability to portray the human soul through portraits of great expressive power.
The work depicts an elderly man with a long gray beard, captured in a moment of deep reflection, his intense, melancholy gaze directed toward the viewer.
His face, marked by the passage of time, is masterfully rendered with vigorous, substantial brushstrokes rich in painterly texture, giving the composition a remarkable vitality and considerable psychological realism.
The treatment of light is particularly captivating: it caresses the subject’s face, highlighting his wrinkles, deep-set eyes, and thick beard through a refined interplay of warm and cool tones.
The ochre, rosy, and golden hues of the complexion harmoniously contrast with the dark tones of the clothing and background, creating an evocative chiaroscuro effect that further heightens the portrait’s emotional depth.
Grassi’s painting goes beyond mere physical likeness, conveying the dignity, fragility, and wisdom of old age and transforming an apparently everyday subject into a composition of great humanity and intensity.
The work is an interesting example of the master’s artistic sensibility, combining figurative tradition, expressive immediacy, and a personal interpretation of reality.
Historical notes on the artist
Alfonso Grassi (1918–2002) was an important 20th-century Italian figurative painter.
Born in Solofra, in the province of Avellino, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, where he came into contact with the great Neapolitan painting tradition.
Throughout his career, he had artistic connections with highly distinguished figures, including Giorgio de Chirico, Pietro Annigoni, and Gregorio Sciltian.
Particularly admired as a portraitist, he created works depicting illustrious figures from contemporary history, including Pope John Paul II, President of the Republic Sandro Pertini, and Giulio Andreotti.
His works are held in important art collections and cultural institutions, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Irpino Museum in Avellino.
His oeuvre is distinguished by its attention to the human figure, rich color, and ability to imbue his subjects with profound psychological depth.
Details of the work
* Artist: Alfonso Grassi (1918–2002)
* Subject: Portrait of an elderly man with a beard
* Period: 20th century
* Technique: Oil on panel
* Style: Figurative, expressive realism
* Signature: Present at the lower right, “A. Grassi,” in red
* Artwork dimensions: 28.5 × 28.5 cm
* Dimensions with frame: 58 × 58 cm
* Overall depth: 7.5 cm
The following inscription is also present on the back of the painting: “Painted by me” “Alfonso Grassi,” as shown in the photographic documentation.
Frame
The painting is enhanced by a magnificent, imposing gilded frame, richly worked with elegant ornamental decorations and raised motifs.
With its generous proportions and striking visual impact, the frame beautifully showcases the work, creating a refined contrast between the brightness of the gilding and the deep tones of the painted composition.
A highly decorative ensemble, especially suited to classic interiors, professional offices, libraries, and collections of 20th-century figurative art.
A work of remarkable expressive intensity that immediately captures the viewer’s attention, and is particularly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of Italian figurative painting.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and allow the quality of the painting, the signature, the surface details, and the frame to be appreciated.
The prestigious gilded frame is included with the painting as a complimentary gift.
Tracked and insured shipping, very careful packaging
Details
Sold with frame
Yes
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Artist
Alfonso Grassi (1918-2002)
Title of artwork
Ritratto di anziano
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Italy
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
58 cm
Width
58 cm
Weight
6 kg
Depiction/theme
Portrait
Style
Realism
Period
1930-1940
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