Mythological Scene, 1600s, Oil on Canvas

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Oil on canvas. Northern-Italian school of the 17th century.The scene is based, with some variations but very close in size, … Read more Oil on canvas. Northern-Italian school of the 17th century.The scene is based, with some variations but very close in size, on a part of the large fresco entitled 'Banquet of the Gods' in the Chamber of Cupid ( or Chamber of Cupid and Psyche) in the Palazzo Té in Mantua, a large depiction of over nine meters made by Giulio Romano with his workshop in the 16th century. The proposed scene (which in Mantua is placed to the right of the great banquet), sees Cupid and Psyche lying on a triclinium, while a small winged figure crowns them with laurel and two nymphs wash Love's hand; in the background to the right a group of satyrs is sacrificing a goat to the altar of a deity, while in the center, in the distance, a city is burning. The banquet of the gods is the concluding moment in the myth of the two lovers, who, after many trials and vicissitudes, obtain permission from Venus to marry. The work, restored and retiled, is presented in an antique frame. 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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