French and Italian masters will take center stage in Bonhams upcoming May 8 European Paintings auction at the Madison Avenue salesroom. The offerings will include several notable Costume Paintings from the 19th century – a time when industry and technology were storming forward at a thunderous pace in Europe, leading artists to seek refuge in Romanticism, a style that originated in France before spreading to Italy, Spain, Germany and Britain.
Costume Painting is a variation on Romanticism wherein artists sought to transport their viewers to more elegant times through superb renderings of sumptuous interiors and finely detailed attire. Bonhams will offer several excellent examples on May 8, including the exquisite Vittorio Reggianini (1858-1939) work The Appreciative Audience depicting an enthusiastic piano player entertaining four blushing ladies in a parlor (est. $80,000-120,000). The composition, luxuriously appointed and resplendent with shimmering silks, epitomizes the genre.
Bonhams European Paintings sale will take place on May 8 in New York. The sale will preview at Bonhams San Francisco from April 19-21 and at Bonhams New York from May 4-7.
A fully illustrated catalog is available at www.bonhams.com/auctions/20499/.
