Artwork
Decorative painting for Kedleston Hall
Decorative painting for Kedleston Hall is a tempera painting by the Rococo painting artist Agostino Brunias. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This tempera on canvas painting is one of five decorative works created for Kedleston Hall, a British country house.
About this work
Overview
This tempera on canvas painting is one of five decorative works created for Kedleston Hall, a British country house. It features idyllic scenes of figures in elegant attire, set amidst palm trees and foliage.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two women lounging under palm trees, framed by palm leaves. The relaxed, non-laboring figures suggest a serene and harmonious environment, likely inspired by the artist's travels to the Caribbean.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in tempera, a fast-drying paint made with egg yolk, which allows for vivid colors. The artist's use of bright, small figures and framing foliage creates a postcard-like effect.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Robert Adam, the painting was designed by Adam and executed by Agostino Brunias in 1761. The works were originally installed in the Breakfast Room at Kedleston Hall but were later removed due to deterioration.
Artist & collection
Artist
Agostino Brunias (c. 1730 – 2 April 1796) was an Italian painter who was primarily active in the West Indies. Born in Rome around 1730, Brunias spent his early career as a painter after graduating from the Accademia di…
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