Gilt and Gesso has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

A provocative scene which is not immediately obvious, featuring a finely painted church or convent with finely decorated biblical wall scenes and 2 central figures. A crouching artist with a palette board in his left hand is appealing to a young nun of beauty, amour et seduction, the artist is holding both her hands in his right whilst she is showing some restraint.

A skilful cartoon, perhaps a scene from a play or fable. The characters wear renaissance clothing within a convent, or high church, behind the nun stands a mother and child portrait he is painting, probably a commission on behalf of the church. The artist sits on an Italian sgabello chair.

A remarkable painting with accurate content and skilfully illustrated, demonstrating a competent hand, an excellent use of colour and fine detail.
Please note, the lower section shows evidence of same distress with some paint loss.

Currently available as it is or we may withdraw listing and consign to the workshop for repair, it is a simple repair as the distress does not affect the main areas of subject but mostly block colour, it remains an excellent painting and art piece.
Dimensions
Height 80cm
Width 65cm
Please request more photos and any questions invited.
Free collection from Lewes, East Sussex.
Dispatched UK and worldwide within 2-3 working days with tracking.
Gilt and Gesso has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
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