This exceedingly elegant pair of mid-18th-century Italian portraits depicts a husband and wife dressed to impress in their finery. They originated from a significant Milanese collection.

With eyes that speak of a tender heart, he looks towards the viewer. His plush dark green woollen coat paired with a golden waistcoat, white stock and shirt. In his right hand, a letter inscribed 'Milano', perhaps it's a love letter to his darling wife.

She wears a sublime pink silk gown with lace sleeves, set over a pannier to create a desirable bell-shape. In her right hand, a single red rose - questo è amore, un matrimonio bellissimo!

Rarely does one find such a charming pair as these, suitable to grace any wall.

Held in later frames.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 27½” x 33½” / 70cm x 85cm
Year of creation: c. 1765
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on the reverse with a reference to the artist hailing from Venice.
Provenance: Private collection, Milan.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvases relined. Later stretchers. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frames in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV2123