Gaetano Chierici (Italian, 1838-1920)

Chierici's family scenes are often touched by humour (Beffe al gatto, Uno spaventoso stat di cose, Patatrach!), on other occasions they are poignant depictions of daily domestic life. The typical interior scene depicted here is a charming composition painted with a virtuoso attention to detail. Stylistically the painting dates from the artist's so called 'descriptive period' of the 1860s where he depicts idyllic scenes of the poor as a happy brotherhood, a recurring theme in Chierici's oeuvre.
The hearth is often central in these compositions, representing the focal point of the family. In the present work Chierici shows a startling attention to detail. The balanced play of light and shadow, mostly in the ochre and dark colours, is enriched by the variety of everyday objects scattered around the room. Chierici, however, lavishes special attention on the figures, their clothes, especially in the folds and creases, and their wonderfully observed faces.
Andrea Baboni will include this work in his forthcoming Chierici catalogue raisonné.