An important 19th-century Lombard painting. Oil on canvas signed "Focosi" lower right and dated 1852, attributed to the great Milanese artist Roberto Focosi (1806-1862). A painting of remarkable pictorial quality depicting a fascinating biblical episode: Moses on the verge of breaking the Tablets of the Law.
Moses dominates the foreground with a vigorous twist as he lifts the stone tablets just before the gesture. His face, framed by a thick dark beard, expresses disdain at the sight of the Israelites intent on worshiping the golden calf, recognizable in the background. Next to the protagonist appears a second figure with a long staff, likely Joshua. The pale robe focuses the light on the prophet, while the cloak in ochre and brown tones and the green and red sash enhance the chromatic balance of the composition.
Roberto Focosi (1806–1862) trained at the Brera Academy and was a great draughtsman and lithographer, very active in depicting historical subjects. He was enormously successful in reproducing works by great painters of the period, and his illustrations are still used as important historical documents. He was the father of Alessandro Focosi, another leading figure on the Milanese scene and a student of Francesco Hayez.
The painting is presented in a rich, non-contemporary gilded frame, adorned with scrolls and plant motifs, which enhances its presence. Beautifully decorated, it has some abrasions and small losses (see photo).
A work of character, ideal for a living room, study, or library, capable of enhancing a classic setting and creating an elegant contrast with contemporary furnishings. This work has already been restored with re-lining and replacement of the stretcher. There are small losses of color on the lower part of the canvas (see photo), but overall it is in good condition.
Width of the painting: H 72 W 58 cm
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SILVER Seller in Cuneo, Italy
