Maestri Michelangelo

Attibuted to Michelangelo Maestri (Italian, d. 1812) The Muses: Clio; Euterpe; Thalia; Melpomene; Terpsichore; Erato; Urania; Calliope; Polyhymnia gouache on paper 17¾ x 13¾ in. (45.2 x 35 cm.) measured to mount a set of nine (9) Gianni Versace collection, from Villa Fontanelle in Moltrasio (Como) Sale: Porro & C., Cernobbio, Villa d'Este, 28 May 2005 PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF SANTO VERSACE Companions of Apollo, daughters of Jupiter and Mnemosyne (Memory), these nine classical Muses are associated with inspiration and learning. Each of these Muses holds a sphere of influence over poetry, song and other arts. Standing atop a plinth like an animated statue each Muse is depicted interacting with their objects signifying poetry, astronomy and theatre.

Michelangelo Maestri (Italian, d. 1812) Plutone signed and inscribed 'Mich Ang Maestri fece' (lower right) gouache on paper 12 1/8 x 18 3/8 in. (31 x 47 cm.) measured to the black outline Maestri's finest compositions are based on motifs from antique frescoes discovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum and from designs by Raphael or his pupil Giulio Romano. His work became very popular and was often purchased by travellers during the Grand Tour. Some of his most famous gouaches portray putti leading animals on a chariot and were inspired by ceiling frescoes in the salon of Villa Lante, on the Janiculum Hill in Rome.

Michaelangelo Maestri (d. c.1812) Fortuna Signed also inscribed Fece in Roma and Guido Reni inv. Gouache, in a 19th century French giltwood and gesso empire style frame 50 x 37.5cm; 19¾ x 14¾in Some small flakes of paint loss otherwise good condition Estimate: £400-600 Lot: 190 Sale: Paintings (PW280911)

MICHELANGELO MAESTRI (Italian, d. 1812) Cupid Drawn by Butterflies Gouache on paper 11 x 14.75 in. Signed lower right From an Important California Collection. Estimate: $700 - $900. Condition Report*: Unless otherwise noted, this lot is in good condition with only normal wear commensurate with age. *Heritage Auction Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".

LOT 340 MICHELANGELO MAESTRI DIED CIRCA 1812 TWO CENTAURS, ONE PLAYING A LYRE, WITH OTHER BEING TORMENTED BY A NYMPH 1,500—2,500 GBP both gouache over etched outline, within grey, red and blue wash borders Quantity: 2 PROVENANCE Sale, Cernobbio, Villa d'Este, Porro & C., 'Raccolte d'arte di Gianni Versace da Villa Fontanelle a Moltrasio', 28 May 2005, lot 276 CATALOGUE NOTE Michelangelo Maestri was a painter and engraver active at the turn of the 19th Century in Rome, a time of great change, both political and artistic. His decorative works are typical of the taste of the era, evoking the antique and the frescoes of Raphael. They were highly successful in early 19th Century Rome, and went on to be frequently copied and engraved by later generations.