Artist: Giovanni Battista Gallo (Italy, 1846-1924)
Title: Woman with a Hand Mirror and a Fan
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 13" x 10.75" (33 cm x 27 cm). Framed: 21" x 18.5" (53 cm x 47 cm)
Signature: Signed upper right "G. Gallo Firenze"
Provenance: Eldred's
Condition: Frame has been restored/repainted.

Description:
This exquisite oil painting by Giovanni Battista Gallo, titled Woman with a Hand Mirror and a Fan, captures a refined moment of grace and elegance. The painting features a woman delicately holding a hand mirror and a fan, rendered with Gallo’s characteristic attention to detail and sophisticated use of color. The composition highlights the subject’s poise and the luxurious textures of her attire. The painting is housed in an ornate gold gesso frame, which, while restored and repainted, enhances the classical beauty of the artwork.

About the Artist:
Giovanni Battista Gallo was an Italian painter born in Florence in 1846, known for his genre paintings and portraits that exemplify the elegance and refinement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gallo was trained in the rich artistic environment of Florence, a city renowned for its contributions to art and culture.

Gallo’s work often depicts genteel subjects in sophisticated settings, showcasing his skill in capturing the subtleties of fabric and the nuances of human expression. His portraits are celebrated for their detailed and realistic portrayal of the sitters, reflecting their social status and character. Gallo was active in various artistic circles and exhibited his work in prominent exhibitions of his time.

Throughout his career, Giovanni Battista Gallo was recognized for his contributions to portrait and genre painting, maintaining a style that bridged classical traditions with the evolving artistic trends of his era. His paintings remain a testament to his technical mastery and the refined aesthetic of 19th-century Italian art.