(Naples 1696–1782) Four putti playing with a goat
oil on canvas, 110 x 147.5 cm, unframed

Provenance:
Marchese di Pietralunga and Conte della Valle collection, inv. n. 45;
sale Christie’s, Rome, 29th April 1982, lot 551;
sale Finarte Semenzato, Rome, 29th May 2008;
Private European collection

We are grateful to Riccardo Lattuada for confirming the attribution after examining the the present painting in the original.

In the Marchesi of Pietralunga and Conti della Valle’s inventory the present painting was attributed to Francesco De Mura as a pendant with the same dimensions as Four putti fill a vase of flowers. The Marchesi di Pietralunga and Conti della Valle collection, divided between Palermo and Napoli, were reunited in their house near Salerno, built in the 18th century. The house was enlarged in the 19th century when the family worked to reinforce the rule of the Bourbon court, having been given important positions in government in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

The present compostion is a typical rococo subject and derives from French prototypes which were disseminated by engravings. The figures bear a strong resemblance to the children in the Caritas, executed in fresco in the church of Nunziatella in Naples.

Provenance:
Marchese di Pietralunga and Conte della Valle collection, inv. n. 45;
Sale Christie’s, Rome, 29th April 1982, lot 551;
Finarte Semenzato, Rome, 29th May 2008;
Private European collection

We are grateful to Riccardo Lattuada for confirming the attribution after examining the the present painting in the original.

In the Marchesi of Pietralunga and Conti della Valle’s inventory the present painting was attributed to Francesco De Mura as a pendant with the same dimensions as Four putti fill a vase of flowers. The Marchesi di Pietralunga and Conti della Valle collection, divided between Palermo and Napoli, were reunited in their house near Salerno, built in the 18th century. The house was enlarged in the 19th century when the family worked to reinforce the rule of the Bourbon court, having been given important positions in government in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
The present compostion is a typical rococo subject and derives from French prototypes which were disseminated by engravings. The figures bear a strong resemblance to the children in the Caritas, executed in fresco in the church of Nunziatella in Naples.