Late 20th Century Italian Oil Painting After Torriglia L’Altalena

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Description

This large Italian oil on canvas, painted circa 1990, is a faithful reinterpretation of L’Altalena (The See-Saw), originally composed by … Read more This large Italian oil on canvas, painted circa 1990, is a faithful reinterpretation of L’Altalena (The See-Saw), originally composed by Giovanni Battista Torriglia (1858–1937). Executed in the manner of the 19th century Genoese master, the scene captures a warm domestic interior animated by family life and gentle humor.
The composition centers on a playful wooden plank see-saw balanced across a rustic support, where a young boy lifts a small child as adults look on with amused expressions. To the right, an elderly woman scatters feed to doves across the tiled floor, while earthenware vessels, a draped textile, and a vaulted stone interior frame the narrative. Soft light enters from the left, illuminating the figures with controlled chiaroscuro and enhancing the rich palette of ochre, blue, rose, and warm earth tones.
The painting is signed “S. Russo” lower left and accompanied by documentation identifying the artist as Salvatore Russo (Italian, born 1945). The surface exhibits intentional craquelure, lending an aged character consistent with late 20th century Italian atelier works inspired by 18th and 19th century genre painting traditions.
The canvas is presented in an elaborate carved and gilt frame decorated with scrolling acanthus motifs, complementing the classical subject matter and adding substantial decorative presence.
The piece is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use.
A refined and highly decorative Italian genre painting, ideal for a traditional dining room, study, or grand interior seeking warmth and narrative charm.
Overall dimensions: 50.5"W x 38.5"H. See less