Gaspare Diziani, Allegory of the Night, 1740, Oil on Canvas

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Gaspare diziani
(belluno 1689 – venice 1767)

allegory of sleep (or night)

19 x 39 cm - in a fine … Read more Gaspare diziani
(belluno 1689 – venice 1767)

allegory of sleep (or night)

19 x 39 cm - in a fine frame with rococo carvings, 37 x 56 cm.

provenance: hampel fine art auctions, munich, 04/07/2018, lot 467

this small gem of venetian rococo painting illustrates a fascinating allegorical composition of sleep: at the center, a reclining female figure with large wings represents night (nyx), one of the primordial deities of greek mythology, protector of rest.

the woman holds a bouquet of poppies in one hand and wears a crown of poppy flowers and poppy capsules, a dream symbol that, in reference to opium, is associated with deep sleep and morpheus, as its hypnotic properties induce oblivion, rest, and dreams.

beside her, two small sleeping cherubs, in a state of complete bodily abandon, symbolize the soporific effect of the night: one lies asleep in the foreground on a golden drape, while the other, on the right, rests reclining with his head resting on his arm.

these are the sons of the night, the twins hypnos and thanatos, who according to classical mythology were the divine personifications of sleep and peaceful death (hence the famous latin phrase: consanguineus lethi sopor, "sleep is the brother of death").

the image of sleeping cherubs was considered in ancient times an allegory of eternal sleep and liberation from earthly toil: the overall atmosphere of the work appears suffused and languid, specifically created to visually convey the sensation of nighttime rest and tranquility.

of exquisite quality and preservation, the canvas displays characteristics that indicate its venetian origins, due to the exuberant colors and lively brushwork. In particular, the work bears a traditional attribution to the master gaspare diziani (belluno 1689 – venice 1767), a refined protagonist of the 18th-century venetian art scene.

we recognize his characteristic use of color, with a vibrant palette, and soft chiaroscuro, with light effectively distributed to create a beautiful sense of depth and volume. In the color scheme, the triad of red, yellow, and blue is here reinterpreted in pastel shades, in keeping with the late baroque style.

arriving in venice from belluno around 1710, diziani was a pupil first of gregorio lazzarini, the last provincial exponent of baroque tenebrism, and then of sebastiano ricci, whose teachings were crucial in developing a style of painting rich in texture, chromatic accentuation, and strong, lively brushstrokes.

initially devoted to theatrical set design, during the second decade of his career he worked in dresden, at the court of augustus iii of saxony, and in munich. His presence in venice is again documented in 1720, but he was also known to be present in several cities in the veneto region, painting works of considerable artistic value, especially in belluno and padua.

additional information:

the work being sold is complete with an antique 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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