Pietro Della Valle

Pietro Della Valle – Oil Painting

A captivating 19th-century oil painting, 'LA MERANDA A TRAMONTO (Picnic at Sunset)' by Pietro Della Valle, elegantly captures the tranquil charm and refined artistry characteristic of Italian painting from the mid-1800s. Painted in 1857, this evocative work offers a glimpse into the leisurely pursuits and pastoral landscapes beloved during this period.

Origin: Italy

Date: 1857

Material: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: Height: 103 cm (40.5 ins)
Width: 153 cm (60.3 ins)

Condition: Excellent; vivid palette with well-preserved surface and artist’s signature clearly visible

This original example by Pietro Della Valle resonates with stylistic elements also found in major Italian collections, echoing the grandeur seen in paintings from the pinacothecas of Florence or Milan. The balanced composition and warm palette draw natural comparisons with other celebrated 19th-century Italian landscape and genre painters, yet the work stands apart through Della Valle's sensitive handling of light and atmosphere. The painting’s subject—a cheerful Italian picnic—serves as a rich document of social customs and regional scenery at the twilight of the Romantic era.

Notable Features:

• Craftsmanship highlights:
  Masterfully executed in oil on canvas, the work demonstrates refined brushwork and a delicate layering of hues, notably in the rendering of evening light and human figures.

• Design significance:
  The harmonious arrangement evokes the serenity of the Italian countryside, utilising carefully balanced colour and perspective to invite the viewer into the scene. The artist’s subtle interplay between shadow and illumination pays homage to the traditions of academic painting while remaining freshly individual.

• Collecting value:
  Original signed works by Pietro Della Valle seldom come to market, particularly of this generous scale. Compounded by its excellent condition and distinctive provenance, this painting represents a rare opportunity for collectors seeking to enhance an assemblage of 19th-century European art.

• Practical value:
  Its large, impressive dimensions make it an outstanding centrepiece for residential or professional interiors, or as a cornerstone in any serious pictorial collection focusing on period Italian paintings.

With its engaging subject, remarkable preservation and period authenticity, this oil painting by Pietro Della Valle is a highly desirable acquisition for fine art enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking an exceptional example of 19th-century Italian artistry.