NATALE SCHIAVONI Chioggia, 1777 - Venice, 1858 Female portrait with basket of fruit Signed N Schiavoni dip lower right Oil on canvas, 78X63 cm Provenance: Rome, private collection The work presented in the catalogue could depict Dora d'Istria, stage name of Elena Ghica: born in Romania of ancient Albanian origins, German by training, Russian by marriage and Italian by election. A cosmopolitan writer, painter and musician, she was one of the most fascinating personalities of European Romanticism and distinguished herself for her commitment to women's emancipation; she was also portrayed by Natale's son, the painter Felice Schiavoni, three times. The young woman is portrayed wearing a light white muslin blouse that leaves her shoulders uncovered in a veiledly sensual manner. In her tapered hands she holds a basket full of fresh fruit, a symbol of abundance and vitality. A coral necklace enhances the neckline, while a soft scarf caresses the sinuous body. The gaze, at once sweet and winking, reinforces the figure's discreet and intellectual charm. The canvas manifests a perfect academic realism, with clear neoclassical influences. The skilful use of chiaroscuro shapes the figure with delicate nuances, making the complexion soft and idealised: every detail appears polished, almost photographic, but still pervaded by a profound classical idealism. Famous for his female portraits, including those of Eugène de Beauharnais and members of the Austrian imperial family, Natale Schiavoni earned the nickname 'painter of the Graces' for his ability to depict figures of intense sensuality, inspired by the ideal beauty of Neoclassicism. His works are now held in important international museums: a Penitent Magdalene in Berlin and Vienna, a Bacchante in Frankfurt and an Adoration of the Shepherds in the British Museum in London.