Neoclassical Wall Mural, 18th/19th Century Italian Grottesca Oil on Canvas Architectural Panel

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Description

A monumental Continental School Neo-classical framed wall painting mural from the late 18th / early 19th century.

Born in Continental … Read more A monumental Continental School Neo-classical framed wall painting mural from the late 18th / early 19th century.

Born in Continental Europe (most likey Northern or Central Italy), this very large hand painted oil on canvas architectural mural, also known as grotesque wall panel (Italian grottesca) was styled after the extravagant ancient Roman decorative art used to decorate the wall frescoes that adorned the homes of Rome's ultra weathy and elite.

A most decadent masterpiece, palatial in size, boasting an array of complex artistic imagery, intricate detailing, fascinating movement and three dimensional Trompe-l'œil elements, bold rich polychrome decoration and contrasting matte coloring, this work is a true statement piece in every sense of the word.

Rediscovered when unearthed at the end of the fifteenth century and subsequently imitated, these lavish elaborate wall frescoes provided elite citizens of Rome and Pompeii with an opportunity for conspicuous displays of affluence and social status.

Grotesques are ornamental arrangements of artistic arabesques with rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils or plain lines, often combined with other elements, including small and fantastic human and animal figures, usually set out in a symmetrical pattern around some form of architectural framework, though this may be very flimsy.

Exceptionally executed in a mix of ancient Roman wall frescoe elements known as the four Pompeiian styles. These four “Pompeian” styles of painted wall decoration which appear throughout Italy and the Roman world were identified by August Mau, a prominent German art historian and archaeologist. This division was based on fundamental differences in the way the artist treated the wall and painted space. The first two styles began in the Republican period, and were outgrowths of Greek wall paintings, while the Third and Fourth styles are found in imperial times.

This wonderful example features a selection of several design elements from from each of the Pompeian styles, including "incrustation," the first style where the artist imitates marble, using plaster and painting the wall panel to look like natural colored stone.

Elements from the second Pompeian style, known as “Architectural Style” can be seen as the artist used architectural features and trompe-l’oeil compositions such as the central medallion that's designed as both a flower and mirror, as well as the flowing scrolled vines that form a trumpet that doublea as a flower, all used to create a sense of illusionary depth.

The third Style, or “Ornate Style,” is prominent, as it favored ornate and colorful decoration painted on a monochrome background made to resemble marble. It often presented great finesse in execution and was typically noted as simplistically elegant. Decorated with rich polychrome floral foliage, a classic urn, birds, cats, and figurines. The third style also saw the introduction of "Intricate Style," seen when the artist incorporated a mythological episode scene in the form of a still life landscape as a reflection in the central medallion.

The larger than life size architectural salvaged decorative art building element is in great original antique condition, measures over seven feet tall and four feet wide (87 x 50 inches), presents superbly, fine museum exhibition quality.

Provenance:
Acquired from a private collection, through the reputable luxury auction house Heritage Auction, Dallas Design District Gallery, Dallas, Texas. See less