19th Century, Grand Tour Grisaille Allegory of Victory With Roman Standard

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A striking 19th-century grand tour era neoclassical grisaille oil on canvas, painted in trompe-l’oeil imitation of carved bas-relief and depicting … Read more A striking 19th-century grand tour era neoclassical grisaille oil on canvas, painted in trompe-l’oeil imitation of carved bas-relief and depicting a winged female personification of Victory, or Victoria/Nike, advancing with a Roman military standard. The open hand at the top of the standard corresponds to the Roman manus used on signa, while the decorated shaft, ribbon and martial bearing connect the figure to classical triumphal imagery. Executed in a restrained gray tonal palette, the painting creates the illusion of sculpted stone, with deeply modeled drapery, shadowed contours and architectural presence heightened by the period gilt frame.

The reverse retains Boston art trade labels, including “Sold by Frost & Adams, 37 Cornhill, Boston,” a firm documented at that address from 1881 to 1919, and an additional maker’s label appearing to read “H. Childs & Co., Makers, 124 Tremont St., Boston.”

Measurements: 24.75" w x 17.875" h. See less