The 4 Seasons - attributed to Francesco Gessi (1588-1649)

"The 4 Seasons"
Francesco Gessi
(Bologna 1588-1649) attributed
Oil on paper
Measurements 42 x 31 frame 56 x 46
Very good condition
The painting on paper was mounted on a frame in the 19th century.

This true pearl of the most refined Bolognese baroque is a faithful replica of Guido Reni's famous composition.
The Four Seasons are a pictorial subject painted by Reni of which two versions are known; one dated between 1617 and 1620, oil on canvas approximately 175×230 cm and preserved in the Capodimonte Museum in Naples, the other dated between 1618 and 1620, oil on canvas 170×221, preserved in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna , assigned with interventions from the workshop. (believed to have been executed by Francesco Gessi)
The enormous success of this work pushed Reni's workshop to reproduce it in multiple variations and sizes.
An example of this is this magnificent "grisaille" painted on paper in a very fine manner, a true jewel of rare beauty and great charm, attributed to Francesco Gessi, one of Reni's most talented students.
The scene depicts the four seasons through as many allegorical female figures, portrayed together with three putti.
In the background on the left, Winter is in dim light, represented by a woman covered by a cloak; in the foreground on the same side is Autumn, where the cherub in the woman's arms is holding a fruit; in the center is Spring, adorned with a crown of flowers; finally on the right is Summer, with her splendid elongated body, portrayed naked and next to a putto holding a bundle of ears of corn.
The composition is perfectly balanced and particularly attractive, with a notable volumetric effect obtained from the marked chiaroscuro contrasts and excellent application of the shades.