catalog text
FRANCESCO PELUSO (ITALIAN, B. 1836) ANTIQUE OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS, INTERIOR SCENE
"Indiscretions", signed lower right, retaining gallery label on verso stretcher
Item # 410AWV02X
This is a positively delightful interior scene by the Italian Romantic artist Francesco Peluso, signed lower right and retaining it's original gallery label with the title of "Indiscretions". The scene is so colorful and full of life, Peluso's meticulous brush capturing the detailed period interior with lifelike accuracy. Presumably the young woman reading the letter has just received it from a suitor, but what was meant to be a private correspondence has naturally become a public affair on a large family stage - while most of her friends or siblings seem amused and even joyful, her father is stiff with a somber expression.
The work has been professionally conserved in the last decade or so, the scene refreshed and absolutely gorgeous in it's period carved and gilded frame. This is an investment grade work in it's present exceptional condition and striking large proportions - large works by Peluso are infrequently found on the open market. It is a work that sets the stage for any room it becomes a part of.
Literature:
- Dictionary of Artists, Vol. X, E. Benezit, Gründ, p. 1112-3
- Popular 19th Century Painting: A Dictionary of European Genre Painters, Hook & Poltimore, p. 298 - simple listing of artist, no information
Measurements: 48 7/8" W x 38 3/8" H [frame]; 37 7/16" W x 26 7/8" H [canvas]
Condition Report:
Exceptional conserved condition. Appears to have it's original lining, though we have not removed it from the frame to verify (if this is important to you, we can certainly do so upon request). Light craquelure throughout surface. Cleaned in the last decade, the surface remaining bright and vibrant. Very light ripple to upper left corner that will eventually need to be keyed out to tighten the stretcher. Specks of surface loss here and there, not particularly noteworthy except on close examination of the surface (see close up images). Under UV: light touch ups to craquelure throughout, spots of inpainting here and there (i.e top of seated gentleman's head, etc.) - the conservation is very minor, perhaps accounting for 3% of the surface. Frame appears to be original, or at least of the period; frame with dings, abrasions and minor losses. Exceptional condition throughout.
