ANTON MARIA PIOLA
Genoa, 1654 – 1715
Allegory of Painting
oil on canvas, cm 126×58
These two fascinating paintings, attributed to the Genoese master Anton Maria Piola, son and pupil of Domenico (Genoa, 1627–1703), depict the allegories of Painting and Literature through the image of plump and graceful putti. In one of the paintings, a putto embodies the allegory of Painting as seen by the brush he holds in his hand with an expression of lively creativity. The figure is rendered with a delicacy that emphasises its childlike beauty and its symbolic role.
In the second painting, another putto, holding an open book, represents the allegory of Literature, suggesting a moment of study or contemplation.
The depiction is equally refined, with a special attention to detail that enhances the figure’s grace and liveliness. Both paintings demonstrate Piola’s mastery in capturing the symbolic essence of his subjects, enriching the compositions with a sense of lightness and joy.
Anton Maria Piola was in fact an important Italian Baroque painter, renowned for his formal elegance and vast artistic output, which is distinguished by its harmonious composition and careful attention to detail.
The main subjects of his works include religious scenes, portraits, mythological and allegorical paintings.
Although our paintings are now separated into two separate pictures, it is believed that they were once part of a single larger composition. The original arrangement would have seen the allegory of Literature on the left and that of Painting on the right, with a curved top. This theory adds a further layer of historical and artistic interest to the works, emphasising Piola’s importance in the pictorial tradition of his time.