A magnificent Italy Grand Tour souvenir painting in miniature, signed by the miniaturist who painted it, "Luigi Gregori, Fe 1840", and so beautifully kept in a brilliant dore bronze pocket-type frame, this is aprés (after) the 1530s masterpiece by Italian artist, Titian - "Venus of Urbino" (1538). A Venus so seductive and titilating in its time, it was scandalizing. So much of that initial impact and all of the iconography of it have been heroically captured in this miniature of the original. You will want to read about this painting, it's incredibly interesting. I've seen it numerous times, and it is the property of the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy. Even Titian's reclining nude looks earlier to "Sleeping Venus", a c.1510 work by Girogione. But I will quickly devolve into an art history lecture here if I don't just turn the exploration of origins, meaning, controversies over to you. Worthy of the stories, and fun to learn all the mysteries of this single masterpiece. In 1840, some Grand Tour traveler chose this one to be the souvenir of a visit to the Uffizi, and it is pristine today, nearly 200 years on. The original Titian work was commissioned by the Duke of Urbino, Guidobaldo II Della Rovere, who hired Titian to create it as a gift to the Duke's wife, Giulia da Varano, and it hung in their private chambers, often thought to have been an instructional to his young bride, on the art of intimacy.
Listed artist: Luigi Gregori (1818-1896), was an Italian artist who worked at the Vatican, served as "artist in residence" and professor at the University of Notre Dame, . At age 14, he becomes an apprentice of the Bolognese artist, Giovanni Battista Frulli. Many works in the USA, including murals, The Columbus murals which were done between 1881-1884, one of which became a US prostate stamp.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. The pocket-style frame fully encases the little painting, under glass, and has prevented damage and warping, insect or moisture losses. The frame is superb, very high quality antique in its own right. The painting, exceptional! In all my years, this is the 2nd Grand Tour miniature of this Titian painting I have found. I bought each one. RARE, This one is the better of the 2, though the other was slightly larger. Do not miss this special offering from my own collection!
