145 - ALESSANDRO ROSI, follower of (17th century)

ALESSANDRO ROSI, follower of (17th century) (Florence 1627–Florence 1697) ALLEGORY OF VIRTU’S LOVE Oil on canvas, 71 x 56 cm. Gilded wooden frame painted to resemble green marble, 19th century. The painting is an early replica of a composition by Alessandro Rosi (Florence, 1627–1697), a distinguished figure in Florentine painting of the second half of the 17th century, who trained under Cesare Dandini. The young allegorical figure, depicted in half-length with her torso partially exposed, is identifiable as Love of Virtue. The figure, characterized by idealized beauty and a pensive expression, is accompanied by symbolic attributes and lush vegetation—elements that lend the composition the cultured and enigmatic character typical of 17th-century allegorical painting. The work effectively captures the distinctive characteristics of Rosi’s style: the soft modeling of the skin tones, the elegance of the figure, the taste for refined drapery, and the marked chiaroscuro contrast, through which the protagonist stands out clearly against the background. Painted by a contemporary artist active in Alessandro Rosi’s circle, the canvas attests to the popularity of the master’s artistic innovations and their spread throughout the Florentine art world of the second half of the 17th century. CONDITION REPORT Old relining. Small areas of restorative touch-ups on the face near the figure’s left eye, scattered across the garments and skin tones. No significant repainting is visible; the old varnish is oxidized. The painting is in excellent condition.