Description
For your consideration, we have a unique and wonderful, signed, original watercolor painting from the 1800s.
In Italy, there is a saying: “Donna barbuta sempre piaciuta”, which translates; Everyone loves a woman with a beard. The artist apparently did. He produced this beautiful watercolor painting of a comely lady with a beard, sitting quietly knitting outside her home on a warm Autumn day.
This piece is signed in the deliberate Forrini-style handwriting, but it is not the name, “Forrini” (or “Torrini” as he is also known). I don’t know if he signed this painting as an alias with a signature that was an obvious clue as to whose work it was, or if there was another artist at that time who emulated Forrini’s style of painting and the way he signed his name. There is very little to go on. This painting was purchased with another Torrini painting from Bundy Hall, estate of John Holly Knapp Jr., of Menomonee, Wisconsin. This could be an indication that this could also be a Forrini.
Within the matting, this piece measures approximately 10″ wide and 14″ high. Overall, it measures 18 1/8″ wide by 22 1/2″ high. The decorative lines on the matting are hand-drawn and although the frame is nondescript and scuffed in spots, it is sturdy and solid.
Regardless of the intrigue, this is a masterful watercolor created by a true artist!
Please look at the photographs for magnified detail.
Thanks for looking.
13030jas
