'The Conversation', large Italian oil painting by Reggianini

This superb oil painting is by the Italian artist Vittorio Reggianini. Regianini, who was born in Modena in 1858, was part of a broader group of artists known as the Costume Painters. The Costume Painters produced antiquated subject matter, seeking to revive the sophistication of former times by painting works depicting a romanticised version of historical society and high culture. Reggianini was renowned for his exceptionally fine painterly skill and especially his depictions of silks and satins, as is evident in the present work.

The painting depicts an interior scene: a man and woman, both wearing lustrous outfits, sit in conversation. The setting is grand: paintings line the walls, a blue-and-white porcelain vase holds a palm, and a side table supports a marble and ormolu mantel clock. Reggianini’s ability to render various surfaces and reproduce their qualities is remarkable: whether the silks and satins, or the reflections on the floor, or the brocaded silk of the sofa.

The painting is contained within a giltwood frame and is signed lower right 'VReggianini'.

Frame: Height 91cm, width 110cm, depth 10cm
Canvas: Height 66cm, width 85cm, depth 2cm