Antique Italian painting from the first half of the 17th century. Oil-on-canvas work depicting an allegorical subject, particularly putti at play, by an excellent painterly hand. Painting of beautiful size and proportion adorned with a non-coeval wooden frame from the 19th century, carved and gilded (gilding taken up in the 20th century). Painting that develops horizontally from the particular subject, in fact the putti are delighting in the game of war with soldiers, prisoner and fake wooden swords abandoned at their feet (see photos). A work of great pictorial quality, note how the characters are distributed on different perspective planes of the composition; moreover, the realization of the complexions and the skillful use of chiaroscuro denote great mastery. Painting attributable to Neapolitan painter Massimo Stanzione (1585-1656); lacking additional documentation. Painting that has undergone conservation restoration, frame replacement, color restoration in some places and that has been restretched (see photos). Overall in good condition. Measurements without frame: 64 x 81 cm.