Fausto Bonaro (Masi 1854 - San Remo 1929) NYMPHS OF THE VALLEY oil on canvas, 110.5x171 cm signed lower right NYMPHS OF THE VALLEY oil on canvas, 110.5x171 cm signed lower right Bibliography E. Makzume (with an introduction by P. Mansel), Fausto Bonaro. The Soultan's Italian Court Painter, Florence 2021, p. 156 Fausto Zonaro's study of The Valley Nymphs began between 1907-1908, by which time he was a painter of great renown and success at court in Istanbul. However, during this period, seriously tried by the effects of the revolution and the exile of Sultan Abdülhamid II in Thessaloniki, the artist became sadly aware that he had no option but to return to Italy. The Nymphs of the Valley was thus exhibited in 1908 on the occasion of the painter's last exhibition in the beloved Ottoman capital at his mansion in Akaretler. The canvas depicts young women dancing gracefully accompanied by music played by children, who in the purity of their nudity seem to embody the spirit of nature. Upon his return to Italy in 1910, the painting and its original frame made in Istanbul followed the artist along with other important ones sent by sea. In his studio in San Remo, Jonaro continued to paint nymphs and bacchae, this time portrayed without veils. The composition of the large painting The Three Graces dates back to this period.