Artwork

Refreshment during the ride

Refreshment during the ride, by Francesco Zuccarelli, oil, 1745
Refreshment during the ride, by Francesco Zuccarelli, oil, 1745

Refreshment during the ride is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Francesco Zuccarelli. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Refreshment during the ride is a 1745 oil painting by Francesco Zuccarelli, a prominent Venetian landscape painter of the late Baroque/Rococo period. The work is characterized by a lively outdoor scene depicting relaxation and leisure in a rural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a serene gathering in a countryside, with figures resting, enjoying refreshments, and riding horses near a tent. The scene conveys a sense of comfort and tranquility, reflecting the Arcadian themes prevalent in Zuccarelli's popular European works.

Technique & Style

Zuccarelli employed smooth brushstrokes and a warm color palette to enhance the relaxed atmosphere. These stylistic choices align with the Rococo movement's emphasis on elegance and serene natural settings.

History & Provenance

Created in 1745, the painting is now part of the Fitzwilliam Museum's collection. Zuccarelli's time in England contributed to the work's European appeal, particularly among English patrons.

Context

As a leading Venetian landscape painter of his time, Zuccarelli's work catered to the 18th-century European taste for idyllic, pastoral scenes. His extended stays in England influenced his style and audience.

Legacy

Refreshment during the ride represents Zuccarelli's contribution to the Rococo landscape tradition, enduring as part of the Fitzwilliam Museum's holdings and reflecting his significance in 18th-century European art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francesco Zuccarelli

Artist

Francesco Zuccarelli

Giacomo Francesco Zuccarelli (commonly known as Francesco Zuccarelli, Italian pronunciation: ; 15 August 1702 – 30 December 1788) was an Italian artist of the late Baroque or Rococo period.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Fitzwilliam Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.