-
Artist
Ludovico Marchetti
-
Born
1853
-
Died
1909
-
Title
A Good Vintage
-
Date of Production
1886
-
Medium
oil on panel
-
Dimensions
33.3 x 22.3cm
-
Credit Details
Purchased, 1887
Ludovico Marchetti
A Good Vintage
Following studies in Rome, Marchetti left for France where
he was to remain until his death in 1909. An exhibitor in Paris,
Munich and Berlin, Marchetti specialized in period pieces - genre
paintings derived from the 16th - 18th centuries. In these
images troubadours, cavaliers and courtesans with their
bright costumes, were a favorite subject. In The Good Vintage
however the monk's habit is skillfully painted to reveal the rough
texture of the cloth, while a sign proclaims the ancient adage in
vino veritas (in wine there is truth). This scene with its
jolly monk is interpreted in the Gallery's 1924 descriptive
catalogue as follows:
"…The merry twinkle in his eye and rubicund visage alike declare
him an enemy of fasting, and noting the affectionate care with
which he is nursing his three bottles of wine, we scarcely need
telling that he has been paying a surreptitious visit to the
monastic cellar and is reveling in joyous anticipation of an
evening's bibulous enjoyment…."