Bidspirit auction | ANDREA BELVEDERE (NAPLES, 1652–1732)

ANDREA BELVEDERE (NAPLES, 1652–1732) - ANDREA BELVEDERE (NAPLES, 1652–1732) - Allegory of Abundance with Putti and Still Life of Fruit. A monumental and vibrant work, this canvas is a quintessential example of the Neapolitan Late Baroque style by one of its most refined practitioners, Andrea Belvedere. Dated 1706, the painting showcases a lush, sprawling still life featuring pomegranates, grapes, and figs, rendered with the tactile realism and luminous glazing that earned Belvedere his reputation at the Spanish court of Charles II. The composition is cleverly animated by two putti; one hovering above while plucking a fig, and another seated below, crowned with vine leaves, embodying the spirit of Bacchus or an Allegory of Autumn. The interplay between the fleshy, rounded forms of the children and the bursting, overripe fruit creates a sensory-rich narrative of nature’s bounty. The dramatic chiaroscuro and the dynamic, diagonal arrangement reflect the transition from the somber tones of the early 17th century toward the more decorative and airy elegance of the early Rococo. Signed with the artist’s characteristic monogram, this work represents a peak period in Belvedere’s career, blending naturalist observation with theatrical grace. Oil on canvas, 127 x 95 cm. Monogrammed ”AB” and dated 1706 at center. Dimensions 127 x 95 cm