Tazzina Di Tè (Cup of Tea)
Painting on canvas • Luigi Monteverde (1841-1923), signed lower right
Style & Movement
Late Romanticism / Italian Verismo School
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing soft chiaroscuro and atmospheric glazing in the background with finer detail in the porcelain and facial features.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (circa 1880-1895)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 60 x 80 cm; Landscape format
Subject Description
A melancholic young woman in a puffed-sleeve dress leans her head on her hand in a contemplative pose. She is seated at a table with a fine porcelain tea set and a small crumpled napkin, suggesting a moment of solitude or waiting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The paint film appears stable with minimal visible craquelure.
Estimated Market Value
7,000 USD - 12,000 USD
Auction Estimate
5,000 USD - 8,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from an Italian private collection or galleria; modern silver-tone framing suggests a more recent transition through the secondary art market.
Art Historical Significance
Monteverde was a prominent Swiss-Italian painter known for his genre scenes and still lifes. This work is significant for its emotional depth and the high technical skill shown in the rendering of varied textures including fabric and ceramics.
Notable Features
Features a highly detailed still life of porcelain in the foreground which contrasts the soft, somber mood of the sitter's expression.
Condition Issues
Visible surface dust and slight yellowing of varnish; minor frame rubbing along the bottom edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a light varnish replacement are recommended to restore the vibrancy of the dark background and the highlights on the tea set.