Tomasso Bigatti after Guido Reni

Tomasso Bigatti after Guido Reni – Paintings

A remarkable pair of ceiling fresco studies, these elegant watercolours vividly reinterpret the Baroque masterpieces of Guido Reni. Crafted in Italy around 1800, they capture the grandeur and exuberance of the early nineteenth-century Italian school, blending fine draughtsmanship with ornate decorative motifs.

Origin: Italy

Date: Circa 1800

Material: Watercolour and gouache on vellum, with polychrome panels

Dimensions: Height (framed): 38 cm (15 ins); Width (framed): 68 cm (26.8 ins)

Condition: Excellent original condition; vibrant palette with delicate detailing

These exquisite paintings pay homage to Guido Reni’s iconic ceiling frescoes created for the Casino dell’Aurora at the Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi, Rome, around 1614. Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, Reni’s works are considered his magnum opus, notable for their lyrical beauty and classical inspiration. Bigatti’s watercolours echo this legacy, reproducing the narrative of Aurora preceding Apollo’s chariot, a scene synonymous with Baroque artistry and now referenced by major collections worldwide.

Notable Features:

• Outstanding Craftsmanship: Both paintings showcase meticulous technique in watercolour and gouache on vellum, surrounded by finely executed polychrome panels filled with intricate grotteschi, gryphons, and lively putti.
• Design Significance: The scenes embody Baroque dynamism, with flowing chariots and radiant figures, framed by decorative borders inspired by Renaissance grotesques, seamlessly marrying movement with ornamental richness.
• Collecting Value: As accomplished 19th-century copies after works by a master such as Guido Reni, these pieces are scarce on the market. The scale and quality make them a desirable addition for collectors of Baroque art or those seeking a striking historic focal point for their interiors.
• Practical Value: The paintings, attractively presented in frames, are ready for display in both traditional and contemporary settings. Ideal for both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts, they offer a sophisticated reference to one of the most celebrated cycles of Italian Baroque painting.

Distinguished by their faithful representation and stylistic flair, these historic watercolours bring the drama and eloquence of Reni’s original palace frescos to a modern audience—serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of Italian Baroque art.