Gouache on paper
Four Neoclassical paintings depicting allegorical scenes with female dancing maenads after Frescoes from the villa of Cicero, Pompeii.
Framed in early 19th century gilt stucco frames.
Italy circa 1800.
Michaelangelo Maestri is known predominantly for his compositions and colour which draw inspiration from Pompeii, discovered in 1748, alongside the works of Raphael (1483-1520) and his pupil Giulio Romano (1499-1546). The female figures in this series closely resemble wall paintings found in the triclinium at the Villa Cicero, Pompeii, between May 1748 and January 1749, now in the Naples
Archaeological Museum. Dancing Maenad's were followers of the Greek god Dionysus, (or in Roman mythology, the god Bacchus) with superhuman abilities acting as agents of the god, able to wreak vengeance on those who denied his rites.
EXTERNAL FRAME MEASUREMENTS: (largest listed as they vary in size)
HEIGHT: 63 cm (24¾")
WIDTH: 49 cm (19¼")
DEPTH: 5 cm (2")
£POA
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