Antonino Traverso, Oxen at Work, Oil on Canvas, 1920s-1940s, Framed

Details

Description

The large painting, framed in a gold frame, depicts a rural scene with traditional elements of agricultural work.
In the … Read more The large painting, framed in a gold frame, depicts a rural scene with traditional elements of agricultural work.
In the centre of the image, two oxen are yoked and appear to be pulling, with a female figure busy gathering a large pile of hay or straw.
Another man is visible on the right, carrying a load of hay on his back and walking on a grassy path.

The scene is set in an open field, probably during the harvest season, as suggested by the abundant presence of hay. The background shows a rural landscape with trees and what may be a building in the distance on the right.

The predominant colours are warm shades of yellow, brown and ochre for the hay and the earth, with a pale blue sky occupying the upper part of the painting.

The brush strokes appear to be descriptive, trying to capture the texture of the hay and the robustness of the animals.
The light in the painting is diffuse, suggesting a daytime, perhaps late afternoon or morning.

In short, it is a work that portrays a moment of peasant life, focusing on the relationship between man, working animals and the land, with a composition that highlights the effort and collaboration in the agricultural context.
The work is signed by the artist Antonino Traverso known for his rural themes.
The dimensions are as follows:

155 cm x 116 cm including the contemporary frame
138 x 98 cm the canvas.

Antonino Traverso born in 1900, trained artistically in Genoa, at the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti (1915-1918), in Carrara where he attended the sculpture course at the local Academy.
In 1927 he won the competition for the artistic pension of Brignole-Sale Duchessa di Galliera.
His debut, as a painter, took place at the exhibition held at the Società di Belle Arti of Genoa in 1918 (Palazzo Bianco); as a fresco painter, in Imperia in 1926, choir of the church of Coldiroli.
Regarding his exhibition path, we remember the first major exhibition in Genoa, Galleria Vitelli, in 1927, followed by a second edition in 1929, and a third in Milan in 1930, at the Galleria Geri.
Then followed the exhibitions at the Galleria San Giorgio in Genoa in 1932-35-38; at Palazzo Ducale in 1945.
In 1939 he was appointed Academician of Merit at the Accademia Ligustica in Genoa.
An artist with a great personality, he approached easel painting, fresco, and etching with equal skill.
Antonino Traverso was also a well-known illustrator and ceramist; in 1947 he curated the scenography for the film “Ladri di bicicletta“, directed by Vittorio De Sica.
Two years later he moved to Venezuela, where he remained until 1955, dedicating himself in particular to portraiture and the decoration of villas and public buildings, as well as the preparation of advertising material for important companies.
He also painted subjects engaged in peasant activities and in emigrations of men and animals.
His favorite subjects, however, remained the characteristic characters of old Genoa and the typical views of Liguria: he created works that testify to the profound, radical changes that had occurred over the years.
Upon his return from South America he resumed his intense participation in the city exhibitions.
We remember those at the Circolo della Stampa in Genoa in 1960-62; at the Galleria De Pasquali in 1967; at the Galleria Liguria in 1972.
Antonino Traverso obtained numerous prizes and awards for his art, starting with the purchase of one of his paintings I ceri di Gubbio in 1924, by the King of Italy.
His works are at the Municipality of Genoa, the public galleries of Perugia and Terni, in Caracas at the National Library (22 canvases, referring to the Don Quixote cycle); in Celle Ligure, Parish Church (frescoes of the apse). This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less