NICOLO' BARABINO Genoa, 1832 - Florence, 1891 Pier Capponi in front of Charles VIII Oil on canvas, 65X104 cm Provenance: Rome, private collection Barabino attended the Academy of Genoa, then directed by Isola, and then moved to Florence, where he came into contact with the Macchiaioli painters. Although he was influenced by this movement, he continued to dedicate himself passionately to history painting, a genre he particularly loved. His artistic production reveals a constant search for balance between the study of reality, inspired by the Macchiaioli technique and the great tradition of decorative painting. He also distinguished himself as a skilful fresco painter: among his most significant works is the decoration of a room in the Palazzina Celesia, with three important historical subjects: Galileo before the Tribunal of the Inquisition, Pier Capponi tearing up the Chapters before Charles VIII and The Sicilian Vespers. The canvas in the catalogue, probably a preparatory work or a commissioned work by request, depicts the Florentine gonfalonier going before Charles VIII to obtain greater freedom for the inhabitants of Florence. The work is distinguished by the precision of the brushstroke, firm and sure, and by the rich colour palette, which lends depth and liveliness to the scene. The architectural details of the great hall, the draperies, the stuccoes and the majestic painting hanging on the wall, which serves as a background to the composition, are particularly well cared for.