17 - Pietro Bardellino (Naples, 1732–1806), attributed to

Pietro Bardellino (Naples, 1732–1806), attributed to Dimensions: 103 x 155 cm Dimensions: 115 x 168 cm with frame Oil on canvas Rural Scene with Folk Dance Private collection Fair condition First canvas Signs of aging and wear in some areas. Below is an assessment by Prof. Stefano Causa Undoubtedly originally intended as door-surmounts, these two paintings—which are in need of restoration—are typical examples of the Neapolitan art scene during the waning Baroque period. Other versions of these works, of varying quality, are known to exist. Stylistically, the two works under consideration are closely associated with the hand of Pietro Bardellino, one of the most refined and independent followers of Francesco De Mura (1693–1782). The master was so enthusiastic about him that he entrusted him with work on both large-scale decorative pieces and interior paintings. *La Tarante* is a literal replica of a prototype by De Mura, known in other versions that have appeared on the market with various attributions (from Paolo De Majo to Bardellino himself). As for the scene depicting the preparation of ricotta, there is a prototype—part of a series of related rural scenes attributed to De Mura or, more likely, to Bardellino— and now on view in the collections of the National Museum of Basilicata, reorganized in the halls of Palazzo Lanfranchi in Matera by Stefano Causa (2024), of Basilicata, reorganized in the halls of Palazzo Lanfranchi in Matera by Stefano Causa (2024).