An intimate genre composition defined by a subtle interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of Alexander Rizzoni’s artistic circle. Within the dim interior of what appears to be a vegetable cellar, a young boy is depicted playing with several cats. Concealing a bundle of turnips behind his back, he teases a cat perched upon a worn barrel. A narrow shaft of light penetrates through a small window, illuminating the child’s gesture and animated expression, while the warm ochre and brown tonalities enhance the atmosphere of humble domesticity.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the scene carries a nuanced layer of social observation consistent with Russian Realism of the second half of the nineteenth century. The artist avoids overt dramatization, instead focusing on the quiet dignity of childhood. The modest amusements of impoverished youth become a reflection on resilience and innate vitality. Compassion and contemplative distance coexist within the composition, revealing the dual influence of the Russian academic tradition and Italian genre painting.
Signed lower right.
The work is attributed to Alexander Rizzoni (Alessandro Rizzoni, 1836 - 1902) on the basis of stylistic analysis, compositional structure, and painterly execution consistent with his genre works of the 1870s and 1880s.
Dimensions: 41 x 33 cm
Material: Oil on canvas
Condition: Good. The paint surface is stable. Minor age-related wear consistent with the period.
Provenance: Private European collection
Alexander Rizzoni holds a distinctive position within Russian Realism of the second half of the nineteenth century. A graduate of the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg, he spent a significant part of his career in Italy, where he cultivated a sustained interest in intimate genre scenes drawn from everyday life. His works are represented in the collections of the State Tretyakov Gallery and the State Russian Museum as refined examples of камер бытовая painting distinguished by psychological subtlety.
In the 1860s-1880s, genre painting emerged as a major vehicle for social reflection in European art. Unlike the overtly critical stance of the Peredvizhniki, Rizzoni developed a more lyrical and introspective approach. His compositions frequently rely on controlled chiaroscuro, warm tonal harmonies, and carefully observed details of modest interiors. Children and figures of humble social standing are presented without caricature or sentimentality, embodying natural vitality rather than despair.
The present work aligns convincingly with this artistic framework, uniting observational realism with a cultivated academic painterly language.
Overall good condition. Natural age-related craquelure is visible. Minor surface wear. No evident later overpainting. Canvas structurally stable.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
