19th Century, View From The Spires Of The Milan Cathedral

19th century
View from the spires of the Milan Cathedral
Watercolour, 43 x 30 cm

The watercolor in question depicts some ladies and gentlemen intent on enjoying the view from the terraces of the Duomo of Milan. The composition is carefully studied and the characters are linked by matching gestures and looks; the first girl is lying comfortably on the ground next to a young man and observes a flock of birds that comes quickly towards them. In front of them an older lady is bent to the ground, while a little further back a elegantly dressed girl takes shelter in the shade of a colorful umbrella and holds out a hand full of birds to the hungry pigeons. Some of them have already gathered in the foreground and are feeding undisturbed, completely unaware of human presence. Characteristic objects enrich the scene as the jacket and umbrella lying on the ground or the red cloth resting on the terrace balustrade on which is placed a binoculars, used to fully appreciate the wide panorama; The observer can sense its presence thanks to the city view that opens behind the imposing buttress.

The view captures a true glimpse of everyday life in the nineteenth century, making meticulous details, architectural elements and statues that still decorate the cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente, symbol par excellence of the Lombard capital.  The quiet and carefree atmosphere that characterizes the work is further transmitted by the palette of soft colors spread in velos superimposed, which, besides giving strength and shade to the color itself, give the preparatory drawing, usually executed in light pencil, the pictorial depth useful to the representation of volumes, shadows and light. 

The object is in good condition