Large antique watercolour painting, Still Life of fruit, signed G Barbaro

A decorative still life painted in watercolour. The landscape format works perfectly to show a nicely composed selection of grapes, apples and leaves, centred around a ginger pot. Well painted with distinctive and bold drawings of the fruit executed in lovely soft colours to create a pleasing palette. Signed G Barbaro, bottom right.

History ~
Barbaro was an extremely popular Italian artist during the late Victorian and Edwardian period, with his most prolific portfolio emerging between 1890 and 1907. He is most celebrated as a fruit, flower and fish painter, although he also painted North African scenes and Italian views.

He enjoyed much commercial success throughout the Edwardian period exhibiting with the Royal Academy, The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, The Royal Society of British Artists, the New Watercolour Society, the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool & elsewhere.

Since this time it has generally been agreed that Barbaro also worked under the pseudonym 'A. Dudley', although this is not confirmed.

Giovanni Barbaro (1864 -1915). Born in Amalfi, Italy on 16 April 1864.

In 1897, in Rome, he married Amy Dawson. (The announcement of their marriage was made in the Newcastle Courant dated Saturday 1st January 1898 stating "On the 10th December 1897, at the Municipality, Rome, and the Church of SS. Vincenzo and Anastasio, Amy, daughter of Mr. Edward Dawson of Whitley, to Giovanni, son of Dona Maria and the late Don Leopoldo Barbaro of Amalfi, Italy"). Amy was a flower, fruit and still life watercolour artist. In the early years of their marriage they travelled extensively, including presumed trips to Egypt, Morocco and certainly the United States, including New York. It is thought that Giovanni was working professionally as a courier at this time. By 1890 they had returned to England and in 1901 were living in Bath, in 1906 they returned to London, by which time they were both recognised as professional artists. Giovanni died on 10 October 1915 and was buried in Chiswick Old Cemetery, Hounslow. Amy was also buried there after her death on 20 February, 1937.

Condition ~
Good antique condition, original mount, frame and backboards. The frame has a few small repairs.

Dimensions ~