Annibale Gatti (forlì 1827 - Florence 1909), Attr. Allegorical Scene

Annibale Gatti (Forlì 1827 - Florence 1909), attr.

Allegorical scene

Oil on paper applied on board, cm 25 x 30 - with frame 36 x 42

The allegorical work, for analysis and stylistic comparison, is certainly attributable to the hand of Annibale Gatti (1827-1909). Student of Giuseppe Bezzuoli, he was one of the greatest painters of the second Nineteenth century Florence and the most representative of the period of Florence capital. Part of his work refers to mythological and allegorical scenes: the paper in question is a preparatory sketch belonging to this cycle, representative example of the romantic-purist painting of the time. A female character with the turrita crown in the head, identifiable with the Greek goddess Tiche, sits on a throne accompanied by a Love at his side with the torch of the sacred fire in hand. At the feet a cornucopia from which weapons come out. Around, five female figures lay laurel wreaths on the throne. Women could represent the five continents in entrusting their identity and protection to the goddess. At the bottom, a blue sky is outlined, while other figures act in the background. 

The fortune of Annibale Gatti is attested by the patronage of the bourgeoisie and Florentine aristocracy of the time, as well as the frescoes of the royal apartments of Villa Meridiana in Palazzo Pitti, in 1861, destined to be the residence of King Vittorio Emanuele II. As confirmation of the fame achieved by the painter, it is sufficient to consider that one of his works was reported in the Nation of 23 June 1872, where it was communicated that the painter was "Paisiello’s last act, staging his opera La serva padrona before Catherine II of Russia". The attribution is further supported by a pencil writing on the back. 

The object is in good condition