The Lady's Awakening, Pietro Longhi (Venice, 1701 - 1785) Circle

Pietro Longhi (Venice, 1701 - 1785) Circle The Lady's Awakening Oil on canvas 73 x 56 cm. - Framed 85 x 69 cm. FULL DETAILS OF THE WORK (CLICK HERE) Anyone who wishes to know the social life of 18th-century Venice, entering the homes of nobles and bourgeois, understanding how they spent their days, their activities, and their pastimes, should immerse themselves in the paintings of the Venetian Pietro Longhi (Venice, 1701 – 1785), the most important genre painter of 18th-century Venice. The work presented derives precisely from his invention, 'The Lady's Awakening,' created by Longhi around the mid-18th century, a snapshot that immortalizes with irony and liveliness a slice of high aristocratic daily life of the time, preserved in various versions and derivations in public and private collections. The representation includes all the elements that give Longhi's works their timeless charm: elegant settings, a touch of humor, and, above all, a suggestive and slightly daring subject. The painting depicts the awakening of an elegant young woman in her boudoir, who is about to get out of bed, flirtatiously addressing the viewer, while her maids help her dress and assist her in her toilette, preparing a bath in a silver basin. The atmosphere of luxury and leisure is reinforced by the figure of a gentleman, in a green silk robe and golden slippers, lounging on a chair in a corner as he contemplates her. Although he holds the morning newspaper in his hand, his attention is clearly distracted by his attractive wife, who in turn is perfectly aware of being observed. Neither seems in a hurry to leave the comfort of the bedroom for the outside world: the gentleman's black coat and wig rest on their stands in the background, and his stockings sag lazily along his legs. Although the original painting, once thought lost, reappeared at a Christie's auction (New York, October 14, 2021, lot 51 - https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6338021) after being acquired by the French collector John Grou in the early 19th century and brought to the United States, the subject became famous thanks to the engraving by Charles-Joseph Flipart (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/816333). The preparatory drawings for the painting are kept at the Correr Museum in Venice, while a valuable version attributed to Longhi's circle is housed at Palazzo Leoni Montanari in Vicenza (https://gallerieditalia.com/it/musei-online/opere/il_risveglio_della_dama-195/). His innovative and original artistic genre was highly appreciated, so much so that it generated a host of imitators and followers: in Venice, the great Francesco Guardi often painted interiors in the Longhian style, as did his brother Gianantonio, as evidenced by works kept at the Museo del Settecento at Ca' Rezzonico in Venice. In the same context, we find several painters of Venetian origin: the enigmatic Maestro del Ridotto and Maestro dei Riflessi, Andrea Pastò, Giuseppe de Gobbis, and the Veronese Andrea Boscarati, all intent on satisfying the abundant demand for Longhian-style paintings in the city and beyond. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Should you wish to see this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you! Contact us for any information or to arrange a visit, we will be happy to respond. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/