Bidspirit auction | A PAIR OF OIL ON

A PAIR OF OIL ON CANVAS PAINTINGS OF VENUS AND MERCURY, ATTR. BARTOLOMEO LITTERINI - A magnificent pair of full-length mythological figures depicting Venus, goddess of beauty, and Mercury, messenger of the gods, both represented as life-sized nudes within painted architectural niches. Venus, delicately modeled and wrapped in a crimson drapery, gestures modestly toward her chest, while Mercury—recognizable by his winged helmet and caduceus—stands in contrapposto with calm dignity and youthful grace. These elegant compositions reveal Bartolomeo Litterini’s assimilation of late Venetian Classicism filtered through the influence of Carlo Maratti’s Roman school and the soft sensuality of Antonio Balestra. Their refined tonal palette, luminous modeling, and serene monumentality place them among the most significant profane subjects attributable to the artist, who is otherwise primarily known for his devotional altarpieces in Venice and the Veneto. The two canvases form a harmonious pendant pair, conceived as complementary allegories of Love and Eloquence, or Beauty and Reason, a theme popular among early 18th-century Venetian patrons for palatial interiors and private studioli. The architectural framing and sculptural quality of the figures suggest that they may have originally adorned a decorative cycle within an aristocratic residence. Footnote: Bartolomeo Litterini, son and pupil of Agostino Litterini, inherited his father’s studio and reputation among Venetian ecclesiastical patrons. Yet in these rare mythological subjects, he demonstrates a freer spirit, anticipating the neoclassical sensibility that would emerge in Venice later in the century. The interplay between sacred restraint and sensual vitality seen here is typical of the transitional period between late Baroque and Rococo in northern Italy. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Dimensions: 61 x 22 1.2 in., (155 x 57 cm.) Condition: Some faint craquelure and small restoration areas to the background, but overall excellent presentation with fresh color and stable paint layer.