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Francesco Fontebasso (workshop of) (Venice 1707 - Venice 1769) a) Sophonisba; b) Clemency of Scipione

A pupil of Sebastiano Ricci, Francesco Fontebasso deeply absorbed the influence of Giambattista Tiepolo, establishing himself as a leading figure in 18th-century Venice. His encounter with Tiepolo in the early 1730s was crucial, likely during their collaboration on the frescoes of the Palazzo Patriarcale in Udine. His first major commission for the Jesuit church in Venice (1734) sealed his success, paving the way for prestigious appointments from the Venetian aristocracy.
Sophonisba, a historical figure renowned for her courage and steadfastness in the face of defeat, is depicted choosing death to preserve the honor of her family and country, embodying ideals of nobility, sacrifice, and dignity.
The scene, inspired by the episode of the clemency of Publius Cornelius Scipio, a Roman general known for his magnanimity toward his defeated enemies, captures a moment of clemency and forgiveness, emphasizing moral values ​​such as justice, piety, and greatness of soul typical of ancient Rome. Pair of oils on canvas, both 77.5 x 95.5 cm - framed 94.5 x 114 cm. References:
M. Pallucchini, La pittura del Veneto. Il Settecento, edited by M. Lucco, A. Mariuz, G. Pavanello, F. Zava, Milan 1996, Vol. II, pp. 117-154
M. Magrini, Francesco Fontebasso, Vicenza 1988
Sotheby's, May 2007, no. 196/2 M1275
coppia di olii su tela
entrambi cm 77,5x95,5 - con cornice cm 94,5x114
Origin:
Sotheby's, maggio 2007, n. 196/2 M1275
Bibliography:
Bibliografia di riferimento:
M. Pallucchini, La pittura del Veneto. Il Settecento, a cura di M. Lucco, A. Mariuz, G. Pavanello, F. Zava, Milano 1996, T. II, pp. 117-154
M. Magrini, Francesco Fontebasso, Vicenza 1988
€ 4.000,00 / 6.000,00
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Furnishings and Paintings | The Timeless Elegance of an Important Roman Mansion

Rome, Palazzo Celsi, wed 4 March 2026
SINGLE SESSION 04/03/2026 Hours 15:00
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