Ercole Calvi

Ercole Calvi’s painting is distinguished by a repertoire of Romantic landscapes, in which views of lakes and landscapes of the Brianza occupy an important place. An Italian painter born and deceased in Verona (1824–1900), he presented these subjects at exhibitions in Milan, in a vein described as inspired by the models of Giuseppe Canella then in vogue. Trained at the Accademia Cignaroli in Verona, Calvi settled in Milan in 1844 and continued his studies there at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. His career thus connects his birthplace with an artistic milieu in which he exhibited his landscapes. On returning to Verona in 1856, he taught at the Accademia di Belle Arti there from 1859, and was then appointed director of the Società di Belle Arti in 1866. The biographical source associates his return with an increase in the commercial success of his work.

His thematic repertoire is also renewed with subjects drawn from studying the Venetian lagoon from life. His presence at exhibitions in Milan is noted, although the dates of these participations are not specified. A painting entitled Rivoltella sul lago di Garda, dated 1863 and signed Ercole Calvi, provides a documented example of his interest in lake landscapes. The catalogue describes it as oil on cardboard; on the reverse is an artist’s label bearing the number 260 and the inscription “Rivoltella sul lago di Garda Dipinto di Ercole Valvi di Verona”.

Works recorded at auction

Artcurial Beurret Bailly Widmer · Lot 37

Rivoltella sul lago di Garda, 1863

Oil on artist’s board

Original catalogue wording

Rivoltella sul lago di Garda, 1863
Öl auf Malkarton

Catalogue period : 2017-06-21

Published result : 3891 CHF

Including buyer’s premium

Estimate : CHF 3000–4000

View the lot at the auction house ↗