Birds of freedom in a fruit garland, Italian school of the 17th century

Huge 17th century Italian old master - Birds of freedom surrounded by an opulent fruit garland, attributed to Pier Francesco Cittadini

The present painting is filled with many clever and beautiful details, including a splendid arrangements of delicious fruits and several pairs of birds. The focal point of the composition is a lapwing who majestically spreads its wings. The lapwing symbolizes a powerful blend of protection, renewal, spiritual insight, and freedom. Known for its fierce devotion to guarding its nest, the lapwing encourages us to protect what we cherish while embracing the promise of new beginnings. Its attunement to surroundings reminds us to trust our intuition and listen to inner guidance. With a spirit that soars through open skies, the lapwing inspires us to break free from limitations and follow our true path, embodying resilience, growth, and the courage to live authentically.

Pier Francesco Cittadini was a prominent Italian Baroque painter who was born in 1616 in Bologna, Cittadini's artistic journey led him to Venice and later to Rome, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style. A very comparable example of a painting depicting birds in flight surrounded by an opulent garland of fruits of almost exactly the same dimensions, is archived in the Zeri archive under the number 85611. A further example is depicted in the book "Natura Morta", p. Furthermore, a painting showing another bird in flight surrounded by a flower garland is archived in the Zeri archive under number 85608.

Cittadini's works were characterized by their vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and dynamic compositions. He often depicted religious and mythological subjects with an emotional intensity that captivated viewers. His paintings showcased a mastery of chiaroscuro, the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, to create depth and drama in his scenes. During his time in Venice, Cittadini was influenced by the rich artistic tradition of the city, particularly the works of Venetian masters such as Titian and Tintoretto. This influence is evident in his use of color and composition, which exuded a sense of grandeur and theatricality. Cittadini's reputation as a painter flourished, and his works gained recognition both in Italy and beyond. His commissions included religious altarpieces, mythological scenes, and portraits, all executed with skill and creativity. Despite facing challenges such as competition from other artists and the changing tastes of patrons, Cittadini remained a respected figure in the art world. Today, Cittadini's paintings are housed in museums and private collections around the world, serving as a testament to his enduring talent and contribution to Baroque art. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts, reminding us of the power of creativity to transcend time and place.


Dimensions:
The oil on canvas measures ca. 133.5 by 98.5 cms and with its frame it measures ca. 136 by 101 cms.

Provenance:
Estate of Princess Maria Immacolata "Mimi" Romanoff. The Princess and her husband, HIH Prince Alexander of Russia, lived in a magnificent duplex on fifth avenue on the Upper East Side in NYC. She was an internationally renowned designer of women's costume jewellery and accessories, which were featured on the covers of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. We do have a small video of their fairytale-like home.

Some notable institutions where his works are housed include:
1. The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
2. The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, Italy
3. The Louvre Museum in Paris, France
4. The National Gallery of Canada