Large Mid-Century Italian Surrealist “Flying Priest” Painting by Veniero Canevari in Original B-Q Co. Frame

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An exceptional and highly collectible mid-century Italian surrealist oil painting by renowned artist Veniero Canevari (1926–1988), celebrated for his whimsical, … Read more An exceptional and highly collectible mid-century Italian surrealist oil painting by renowned artist Veniero Canevari (1926–1988), celebrated for his whimsical, theatrical, and satirical depictions of clergy figures rendered in a distinctly modernist visual language.

This original signed composition depicts one of Canevari’s most iconic narrative scenes — a dramatically suspended “flying priest” soaring among barren branches while an astonished nun gazes upward in disbelief. Executed in the artist’s signature palette of vivid cobalt blue, deep crimson red, and sculptural geometric drapery, the painting captures the dreamlike elegance and playful irreverence that made Canevari’s works highly sought after among mid-century collectors and interior designers.

The work is executed in oil on wood panel and retains its original luxury presentation, including:

Original carved mid-century frame
Original deep velvet liner
Brass engraved “V. Canevari” artist plaque
Original B-Q Co. Long Beach, California import label verso

The surviving B-Q Co. label strongly suggests the painting was professionally imported from Italy for the upscale California interiors market during the 1960s–1970s, a period when whimsical Italian surrealist works became especially popular among Palm Springs, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood Regency interiors.

This example stands out for its exceptional preservation and dramatic vertical composition. The elongated format, vivid untouched color palette, and striking theatrical imagery give the piece extraordinary wall presence and strong designer appeal.

Comparable Canevari works have achieved increasingly strong results at auction and through boutique galleries, particularly examples retaining their original period frames and import labels.

A rare and visually arresting statement piece for collectors of:

Italian modern art
Mid-century surrealism
Hollywood Regency interiors
Palm Springs modernism
Whimsical ecclesiastical imagery
Designer gallery wall collections

Dimensions:
20” W × 30” H × 2.5” D (framed) See less