Pair of 19th C. Italian Oil Paintings by Ernesto Jolli - In Original F.G. Davis Belfast Frames

A rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully matched pair of original late-19th-century Italian oil paintings by Ernesto Jolli, each signed E. Jolli.

These are genuine pendant paintings, conceived as a complementary pair depicting young women engaged in traditional coastal life. The two compositions work exceptionally well together, with the figures adopting contrasting but balanced poses against Mediterranean seascapes.

THE PAINTINGS

Painting One – Woman with Oar

A young coastal woman standing on the shoreline, holding a large wooden oar or boat paddle and carrying a substantial fishing/catch bag. The sea and boats can be seen behind her.

Painting Two – Woman with Fishing Basket

A young barefoot fishergirl standing on the shore, balancing a large catch basket/tray upon her head, with fishing boats visible across the water behind her.

Both paintings are signed “E. Jolli” in the lower right.

The pair is particularly interesting because the same matched fishing-basket and oar subject combination is recorded in the international art-market record for Ernesto Jolli, confirming that this is not simply an unrelated pair of decorative paintings brought together later.

SIZE

Each original frame measures approximately:

72 cm high × 45 cm wide

They have excellent visual presence when displayed together.

EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL GILT FRAMES

The paintings remain in their impressive, highly ornate gilded carved/gesso frames, decorated throughout with elaborate floral and fruit ornamentation.

The frames are substantial, heavy and beautifully suited to the paintings. They form a significant part of the overall character of the pair.

The original hanging chains remain attached.

BELFAST HISTORY / FRAMING PROVENANCE

Both paintings retain the original labels to the reverse from:

F.G. Davis & Sons Ltd.
Picture Framers & Art Dealers
19 North St Arcade, Belfast

The surviving labels provide an interesting connection to Belfast’s historic fine-art and picture-framing trade.

The original labels have been left in place and are photographed as part of the listing.

CONDITION

The paintings are presented in their historic original frames.

The first painting displays extensive fine age-related craquelure, consistent with an old oil painting on canvas. The second painting has a considerably smoother paint surface.

The frames show the expected signs of age, including areas of wear, cracking and losses to the old backing materials/gilded ornamentation. Please study all photographs carefully.

I have deliberately not cleaned, restored or cosmetically altered the paintings or frames.

A VERY UNUSUAL PAIR

What makes this particularly appealing is the combination of:

* Original Ernesto Jolli paintings
* A genuine matched pendant pair
* Both paintings signed
* Traditional Italian coastal genre subject matter
* Large, impressive antique gilt frames
* Historic Belfast F.G. Davis & Sons framing labels
* Ross’s Belfast auction reference labels
* Both works remaining together

A striking pair that would make a fantastic statement in a traditional, period or contemporary interior.

Located for collection in Belfast / Dublin.

Collection strongly preferred due to the size, weight and fragility of the antique gilded frames. Personal handover or specialist courier can be discussed with the buyer.

Serious enquiries welcome.

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