Composition of flowers in a chased vase (3 of 3), Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710)

Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710) Composition of flowers in a chased vase (3 of 3) oil on canvas cm. 130 x 90 - In an antique frame 145 x 105 cm. Work accompanied by an expertise from Prof. Emilio Negro Antique frame, with defects and missing parts. Painting in good condition, old restorations, presence of an old surface layer of varnish, partially oxidized. The important still life offered - of which two other examples are possibly available - shows a lush bouquet of numerous botanical varieties, described with careful sensitivity thanks to a rich application of impasto and tones, gathered within a chased metal vase and resting on a square support. Given the large size and the fact that it is part of a series, our work was certainly commissioned for the decoration of a noble palace: it was indeed customary, in large reception halls or in the long connecting corridors of the various wings of palaces, to adorn the most important walls with series of specially commissioned works, based on the tastes of the noble owners. The painting, dating back to the late 17th century, exhibits purely Tuscan school characteristics and is attributed to the Florentine Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642–1710), a leading figure along with Bartolomeo Bimbi of this pictorial genre in Florence during the late Baroque period. Andrea Scacciati is indeed considered the protagonist of the renewal of Florentine still life in a Baroque sense in a century that constitutes the golden age of this figurative genre: during the 17th century, still life established itself as an independent genre and all its inherent potential - in terms of visual suggestion, descriptive precision, compositional skill, and symbolic density - reached an unsurpassed completion. In the late 1960s, the author opened a workshop responsible for numerous commissions from the ruling house and various noble families. Much loved by the Medici and by the most famous Tuscan noble families, he was the author of works of the highest stylistic quality, mainly dedicated to floral compositions, defined with skilled pictorial expertise and enhanced by exclusive chromatic effects. His canvases were particularly requested by Grand Duchess Vittoria della Rovere and Grand Duke Cosimo III and destined for the Villa dell'Ambrogiana. Regarding the characteristics of his style, a descriptive formula is evident, imbued with an original eclecticism, borrowed mainly from the knowledge of 17th-century Flemish and Dutch paintings, and from the refinements of Roman floral compositions by the famous Mario Nuzzi, better known as Mario de’ Fiori. The type of composition and the chased metal vase are linked to the most typical strand of the artist's late period. Numerous elements typical of the painter are seen again in our still life, including the almost geometric balance of the flower arrangement and the varied chromaticism in describing the different botanical species, created with variety and elegance, finally enhanced thanks to the dark background. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is completed by a gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco