Discretion, the Better Part of Valour by Federico Andreotti
Discretion, the Better Part of Valour by Federico Andreotti
Andreotti’s style was the result of technical anatomy training at the Academy, and an interest in the Impressionist’s use of colour and brushstroke. The combination of these influences results in a vivid, lively quality to his brushwork, but without any element or likeness lost. Each figure exudes a unique character to the other, flaunting Andreotti’s skill for detailed compositions.
DIMENSIONS: (unframed) 26 x 36 ins/ 66 x 91.4 cm
SIGNATURE: Signed lower right
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas
Price: £50,600
Description
Federico Andreotti largely painted scenes of men and women in high society enjoying leisurely activities. He focused on historical imagery, and in particular characters set in the 16th and 17th centuries. The content of this work is somewhat less lavish than Andreotti’s typical scene, and perhaps for the same reason it is full of energy and movement.
Provenance
Private Collection, California, USA
Biography
Born in Florence in 1847, Federico Andreotti went on to receive his formal artistic training at the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts. His subject matter suited the 19th century resurgence of appetite for elegance and taste connected with the 16th and 17th centuries. Andreotti focused on historical figurative imagery, and was largely sought after by European and American collectors; he received a significant commission from the King of Italy during the late 19th century. He also exhibited numerous paintings at the Royal Academy in London between 1879 and 1883.
Andreotti’s style was the result of technical anatomy training at the Academy, and an interest in Impressionist’s use of colour and brushstroke. Eventually he was appointed a position as professor at the Academy.