“The Sibyl” after Romanelli Giovanni Fancesco – 19th C, reproduction by R. Menchetti – Italian School, Rome

A finely painted 19th-century Italian School oil on canvas depicting a Sibyl, after the celebrated Baroque composition by Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610–1662).

The young Sibyl is shown in half-length, turned slightly to one side and holding a quill above an open book. She wears a richly wrapped blue-grey turban, deep blue dress and warm red mantle, dramatically illuminated against a dark background. The soft modelling of the face, restrained palette and strong chiaroscuro reflect the influence of Romanelli and the classical Baroque tradition of 17th-century Rome.

The reverse of the canvas bears an old handwritten inscription:

“R. Menchetti peintre
rue … 153
Rome”

identifying the copyist as R. Menchetti, an artist working in Rome. During the 19th century, accomplished Italian painters frequently produced high-quality versions of important Old Master paintings for Grand Tour travellers and collectors visiting Rome.

Presented in an ornate giltwood and composition frame with scrolling foliate ornament.

The canvas shows age-related craquelure and evidence of historic restoration and patching visible from the reverse, consistent with its age.

Italian, 19th century.
Oil on canvas.
After Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (Italian, 1610–1662).
Painted by R. Menchetti, Rome.

Canvas measures:  24 3/4 inches high x 19 1/2 inches wide
with Frame measures:  32 inches high x 26 1/2 inches wide