Follower of Pietro Liberi, Faun Nymph Putti Free, 1700, Oil on Canvas

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Description

Pietro Liberi (Padua 1605 - Venice 1687) follower of

Faun, Nymph, and Two Putti

Oil on canvas (62 x 82 … Read more Pietro Liberi (Padua 1605 - Venice 1687) follower of

Faun, Nymph, and Two Putti

Oil on canvas (62 x 82 cm - Framed 85 x 104 cm)

The subject of the painting, drawn from Greek mythology, shows a faun, a mythological figure half-man, half-goat native to Arcadia, in a moment of family intimacy with a nymph and two putti.

Although there are no specific references, it could be the family of the god Pan, reclining in the left foreground intent on playing his traditional bamboo flute, with his wife, the nymph Echo, and their two young sons, Iunge and Iambe, one of whom holds a wineskin or jar, perhaps of wine, from which the other is drinking.

The scene is characterized by a bucolic atmosphere, typical of mythological depictions of the time, expressing a climate of festive joy and a paean to lightheartedness. It represents an idealized vision of natural and primitive life, far from the ideals of dissolute living often associated with the figures of satyrs and fauns. Here, it embodies a domestic and protective dimension, elevating the mythological creature to a symbol of natural virtue and family stability.

The work was likely intended for humanist circles, where the theme of "life according to nature" was a subject of philosophical debate, contrasting the purity of natural instincts with the corruption of social conventions.

An analysis of the painting allows us to place its execution within the Northern Italian school, executed by a Venetian artist active between the 17th and 18th centuries, and specifically a descendant of the school of Pietro Liberi (Padua 1605-Venice 1687), who had always been interested in themes related to myth.

Among the leading exponents of Baroque art in Italy, a talented painter who was a disciple of Padovanino and the father of another important painter and imitator, Marco Liberi.

Liberi created important fresco cycles, as well as altarpieces and numerous secular easel paintings; the latter are particularly similar to the present work and are highly sought-after and appreciated by contemporary collectors for their elegantly sensual and erotic themes.

His formal elegance and pictorial softness are enhanced in mythological scenes like this one, characterized by sensual and classical nudes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a beautiful gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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