19Th Century Italian Oil Painting A Chess Problem By Carlo Ferranti

CARLO FERRANTI (1840–1908)

A Chess Problem

19th Century Italian Oil Painting of an Elegant Chess Game

Highlights

• Signed oil painting by Carlo Ferranti
• Italian School, 19th century
• Five-figure interior centred upon a game of chess
• Richly detailed period costume and furnishings
• Documented Sotheby’s London provenance
• Later sold through Kinghams Auctioneers
• Historic labels preserved verso
• Presented in an impressive gilt frame

Introduction

A highly decorative 19th-century Italian oil painting by Carlo Ferranti (1840–1908), depicting five elegantly dressed figures absorbed in a game of chess within a sumptuous historic interior.

At the centre of the composition, a young woman reaches towards the chessboard while her seated opponent studies the position. Three companions observe the game, creating an engaging sense of anticipation and social interaction.

Ferranti lavishes attention upon the surrounding interior. Gilt furniture, paintings, flowers, a large mirror, decorative objects and a striking geometric marble floor establish an atmosphere of cultivated luxury.

Catalogue Details

Artist: Carlo Ferranti (1840–1908)
Title: A Chess Problem
School: Italian
Date: 19th century
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signature: Signed C. Ferranti
Canvas: Approximately 60 x 45 cm
Framed: Approximately 87 x 71.5 x 8 cm

Catalogue Note

The narrative revolves around the unresolved chess game. Ferranti captures the moment immediately before another move is made, directing the attention of both the assembled figures and the viewer towards the board.

The combination of strategy, elegant costume and elaborate surroundings gives the work considerable character, while its richly furnished setting makes it particularly appealing as a decorative interior painting.

The Artist

Carlo Ferranti (1840–1908) was an Italian painter associated with figurative and genre subjects. His paintings demonstrate a particular interest in narrative scenes, historic costume and carefully rendered interiors.

*A Chess Problem* brings these qualities together within an ambitious multi-figure composition.

Provenance

Private Collection

Sotheby’s, London, British & Continental Pictures, 14 July 2004, Lot 207

Kinghams Auctioneers, 27 July 2023, Lot 403

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Historic auction and biographical labels remain preserved verso.

Condition Report

Good antique condition consistent with age. The painted surface displays age-related craquelure and areas of surface marking. The decorative gilt frame has expected historic wear, including rubbing, chips, losses, cracking and previous repairs.

Further photographs and information are available upon request.

Worldwide Shipping

Professional worldwide shipping is available. The painting will be carefully protected and securely packed for transit, with additional protection given to the historic gilt frame and corners.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

Supplied with a Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® Certificate of Sale recording the artist attribution, title, medium, approximate date, dimensions and known provenance.

Attribution and Research

Independently researched and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. Attribution is based upon the visible signature, physical evidence, historic labels, documented auction history and available comparative material.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art. Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market.

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