MICHELE ANTONIO RAPOUS (Turin, 1733 - 1819) Still Life Oil on canvas, 82X106 cm Bibliography: A. Cottino, La seduzione della natura. Natura morta in Piemonte nel '600 e nel '700, Turin 2000, p. 111, n. 20 Michele Antonio Rapous was among the most outstanding still life painters of 18th century Piedmont, influenced by contemporary French painting. The canvases under examination are an interesting example of his art and maturity, and were destined to decorate the main palaces of the subalpine capital with taste and gracefulness. In our case, we must emphasise the conservative condition that enhances the delicate glazes and colour impasto. As we know, Michele was Vittorio Amedeo's brother, with whom he collaborated several times from 1763 onwards at Stupinigi, Palazzo Chiablese, the Royal Palace, Moncalieri Castle and, from 1758, the Reggia di Venaria. Research conducted by Alberto Cottino, which was included in the opening essay of the catalogue of the 2000 exhibition in Turin, has made it possible to better specify the catalogue, highlighting that in his maturity the painter participated in the first Turin Art Exhibitions, at least in 1805 and in 1811 and 1812. Reference bibliography: L. Salerno, La natura morta italiana (1560-1805), Rome 1984, p. 326 A. Griseri, La natura morta in Piemonte, in La natura morta in Italia, edited by F. Porzio, Milan 1989, pp. 149-195 A. Cottino, La seduzione della natura. Natura morta in Piemonte nel '600 e nel '700, Turin 2000, ad vocem