Bernardino Galliari, a famous eighteenth-century Italian artist known for his architectural landscapes and theater sets.
1. Painting on the left:
- The painting depicts a ruined classical architecture with arches and columns rising on a staircase.
- In the foreground are two figures dressed in 18th-century clothing, perhaps intent on strolling or conversing.
- The background is rich with vegetation and allows glimpses of trees and hills in the distance, creating a feeling of depth and tranquility.
- The light is soft, contributing to a romantic and contemplative atmosphere.
2. Painting on the right:
- Here we find a ruined classical architecture, but with more complexity in the structure due to the presence of a monumental staircase and stacked arches.
- In the foreground are three human figures. One appears to be about to climb the staircase, while the others interact at the foot of the structure.
- The scene captures a moment of everyday life in a context that celebrates the beauty of the past and decadence.
Both paintings are examples of the 18th-century taste for “capricci,” or imaginary landscapes that combine real and fantastic architectural elements, typical of Bernardino Galliari's style. The warm tones and soft shading reflect the influence of the Italian Baroque.
Measurements: 101 x 77 cm.