Architectural Capriccio, Pier Francesco Garola (Turin 1638 - Rome 1716)

Pier Francesco Garola (Turin 1638 - Rome 1716) Architectural capriccio with coastal view oil on canvas (74 x 99 cm. - with frame 87 x 112 cm.) Reference bibliography: G. Sestieri, Il capriccio architettonico in Italia nel XVII e XVIII secolo [Architectural Capriccio in Italy in the 17th and 18th Centuries], Foligno, 2015, II (pp. 62-81). COMPLETE DETAILS OF THE WORK (CLICK HERE) The canvas on offer, a beautiful example of architectural fantasy, is a work of excellent quality by the late Baroque painter Pietro Francesco Garola (Turin 1638 - Rome 1716), a prominent figure in the depiction of Roman ruins and fantastical architectures, known as 'capricci'. The painting, full of charm and suggestion, offers a typical example of his imaginary views, showing us the facade of an imposing classical palace, of Italian inspiration with mighty marble columns, seen from an angle that continues the scene through an elegant panorama leading to a evocative coastal view. Our work, likely executed towards the last decade of the 17th century, is conceived with theatrical sensibility, where the monumental palace and the distant view appear as part of a single scenic arrangement, with figures dressed in Oriental-inspired clothing resembling theater actors. His skill in using perspective, the masterful rendering of architectural details, and the intense use of chiaroscuro are the elements that made him extremely famous, imbuing his works with great compositional elegance, which also characterizes the present painting. To support the attribution, we can cite some works published by Giancarlo Sestieri in his volumes on architectural capriccio published in 2015 (illustrated in the detail photos), such as the pendant attributed to Pier Francesco Garola, formerly at Galleria Antiquaria G. Morosini, Padua, depicting 'Architectural Capricci with Stories of David'. Although these works feature complex compositions, numerous compositional details can be found repeated in the painting under examination (II, p. 80, figs. 26 a-b). Furthermore, we observe strong stylistic affinities with the 'View of Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome' (Christie's, London, April 22, 1994, lot 244) and also the 'Capriccio with Classical Buildings and the Triumph of David', equally published by Sestieri (volumes II, p. 70, fig. 13 and p. 71, fig. 14b, respectively). His works are housed in the Galleria Sabaudia in Turin, the Pinacoteca del Museo Civico Ala Ponzone in Cremona, Galleria Pallavicini, Galleria Spada, and Galleria dell'Accademia Nazionale di San Luca in Rome, as well as in many other prestigious public and private collections. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with an antique frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection. Please contact us, without obligation, for any further information. Follow us on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/