This exquisite late 19th-century oil painting by Italian artist Francesco Ballesio (1860-1923) depicts an 18th-century music lesson within a grand setting.
Surrounded by the various decorative embellishments of a plush Italian interior, a bewigged virtuoso demonstrates his craft. The air enlivened by the enchanting sound of a gilded harpsichord. To his left, a sumptuous folio of sheet music rests on a chair. The ladies are set for quite a performance.
Ballesio adored lavish interiors, utilising his full technical prowess as an accomplished draughtsman. If you look closely, parts of the underdrawing are still visible, each element carefully rendered with precision and obsessive accuracy. Note the upturned corner of the rug, the shine from the pointed shoes, and the gentle staves running across the book.
This painting was previously sold at Bonhams in 2006 for £3,100.
Signed in the lower right ‘Ballesio Roma-Tivoli’ and held within a splendid gilt frame with foliate.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 34½” x 27½” / 88cm x 70cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £30,000
Francesco Ballesio trained at the Accademia Albertina in Turin. He exhibited extensively including in Rome and Tivoli. His works have been sold through Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonhams with 15 reaching in excess of £10,000.
Learn more about Francesco Ballesio in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
