Sofocle e Melpone; Socrate e Filosofia; Calliope Omero

The scenes depicted in the present lots are fine examples of the classicism often found in these types of decorative early 19th century works of art. Michelangelo Maestri is well known for incorporating motifs from the antique room decorations at Pompeii and Herculaneum in his works. Many of his compositions are based on designs by Raphael (Urbino 1483-1520 Rome) or his pupil Giulio Romano (Rome 1499-1546 Mantua). They were immensely popular and were acquired in large numbers by northern Europeans on their Grand Tour.

Comparative Literature:
M. Natale, Musée d'art et d'histoire Genève, Peintures italiennes du XIVe au XVIIIe siècle Geneva, Geneva, 1979, p. 569-570.