Master Paintings Part II

Master Paintings Part II

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 502. Temptation of a Scholar.

Attributed to Pietro Bellotti

Temptation of a Scholar

Auction Closed

February 1, 09:24 PM GMT

Estimate

8,000 - 12,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Attributed to Pietro Bellotti

Volciano 1625 - 1700 Gargnano

Temptation of a Scholar


oil on canvas, a tondo

painted surface: 45 ⅛ by 39 ⅛ in.; 114.6 by 99.4 cm.

framed: 53 ½ by 48 ¼ in.; 135.9 by 122.6 cm.

A bearded scholar, his desk piled high with various tomes, rebuffs the advances of a beautiful blonde woman. She has already partially removed her red dress and her embroidered white undergarment has slipped from her left shoulder to bare her breast. The difference between the ascetic life of the mind led by the scholar and the worldly life of pleasure led by the lascivious woman is underscored by the contrast between the figures. He frowns, his face wrinkled and weathered; she has a dewy complexion and rosy cheeks. Similarly disparate is their attire: he wears simple, unadorned garments; she sports gold and pearl jewelry and hair accessories. Such moralizing depictions were cautionary tales to warn diligent men about the dangers of fraternizing with young beauties, who would distract them from life's serious pursuits.