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Lot Essay
This painting is a bozzetto for the main ceiling of the Palazzo Gaifami in Brescia. Count Vincenzo Gaifami received his title in 1742 and, to celebrate the occasion, undertook a major decorative campaign. The ceilings of the great staircase and hall were commissioned from Carlone--twelve scenes including the present Merit crowned by Nobility.
In this scene, Merit is represented as an old man crowned by a laurel wreath, who ascends toward a temple where Nobility waits for him. Two putti hold a mirror, a symbol of Wisdom, and a club, a symbol of Strength, while Knowledge holds a flaming torch and the Vices are chained.
Born in Scaria, north Italy, Carlo Carlone trained in Rome in the workshop of Francesco Trevisani and at the Accademia di San Luca. Carlone went on to become one of Europe's most prolific fresco painters of the eighteenth century. He was particularly active in the courts of Germany, Austria and Czecheslovakia. In 1725 Carlone began spending the winter months in Italy, where he continued his work in a more congenial climate, during which time this painting was executed.
The corners of the present work have been overpainted and the original composition was altered.
In this scene, Merit is represented as an old man crowned by a laurel wreath, who ascends toward a temple where Nobility waits for him. Two putti hold a mirror, a symbol of Wisdom, and a club, a symbol of Strength, while Knowledge holds a flaming torch and the Vices are chained.
Born in Scaria, north Italy, Carlo Carlone trained in Rome in the workshop of Francesco Trevisani and at the Accademia di San Luca. Carlone went on to become one of Europe's most prolific fresco painters of the eighteenth century. He was particularly active in the courts of Germany, Austria and Czecheslovakia. In 1725 Carlone began spending the winter months in Italy, where he continued his work in a more congenial climate, during which time this painting was executed.
The corners of the present work have been overpainted and the original composition was altered.