Early 20Th Century Italian Painted Tapestry Panel, Signed And Dated 1903

A richly detailed early 20th Century Italian painted tapestry panel depicting an Arcadian pastoral scene, signed V. Peratius Bonon.
Dated MCMIII (1903). Executed in Taranto under the commission of Ferrario, the work combines early 20th Century decorative painting with strong Renaissance revival influences. The central panel shows an idyllic rural landscape: a flautist stands beneath tall cypress trees, serenading a young woman carrying a basket of freshly gathered fruit. In the middle distance, children climb and play amongst fruit trees, while a small group of geese wander peacefully beside a stream — all rendered in soft, harmonious tones that evoke a calm, timeless countryside. Surrounding the scene is an elaborate fruiting border painted in warm autumnal colours, densely filled with pomegranates, figs, flowers, and vine work. At the top runs a faded Latin scroll reading “carpite fructus” alongside an earlier word now partially obscured — a classical pastoral motto translating to “pluck the fruits,” reinforcing the theme of abundance and the joys of rural life.
A second scroll at the lower right contains the artist’s signature and inscription. Likely created as a wall hanging or decorative overdoor panel, the piece reflects the early-20th-century Italian fascination with neo-Renaissance ornament and Arcadian subject matter. The subtle wear and patination of the textile lend it a soft, atmospheric character. Signed: V. Peratius Bonon. Tarenti pinxit, committente Ferrario, anno MCMIII Origin: Italy (Taranto / Bologna).