Description
Antonio Stom (Venice 1688 – Venice 1734) – Architectural Capriccio with View of Padua.
Oil on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden frame.
The painting is attributed to Antonio Stom on the basis of stylistic comparisons with documented works by the artist. The composition belongs to the genre of the architectural capriccio, characteristic of early eighteenth-century Venetian painting: classical ruins, Corinthian columns and imaginary architectures merge with recognisable elements of a view of Padua (Basilica di Santa Giustina) in a landscape animated by costumed figures. The silvery, airy palette, the fluid handling of the figures and the quality of the brushwork are the distinctive traits of this master of Venetian landscape painting. A small dog in the foreground and a flute player seated among the ruins add a note of everyday liveliness to the scene.
Condition report: Lined canvas. The painted surface is in good condition.
