This funny genre scene in the monastery wine cellar with a violin-playing monk was executed approx. in the 1870s by the well listed Italian genre and landscape painter Orfeo Orfei (1836 Mezzolombardo by Triest - 1915 Bologna). The artist studied at the Art Academy in Bologna by G.B. Bassis 81862-1866), worked in Bologna, exhibited his works in Bologna, Triest and Vienna, His painting are situated in: Museum Revoltella, Triest; in Bologna: Pinacoteca and Palazzo Comunale; Arras Museum. He was awarded for his genre paintings: Silver Medall of International Exhibition in Calcutta (1883-1884); Exposition in Bologna (1888). Genre works by Orfei attained high prices up to 28000 USD by international auctions (see additional photo).

Literature: "General Artist´s Lexicon " by Thieme/Becker ; E. Benezit " Dictionary of painters, sculptors, decorators and etchers"(in French), Paris, 1999; A.M. Comanducci "I Pittori Italiani Dell`Ottocento", Milan, 1992.

Inscription: signed lower right.

Technique: oil on canvas. Luxuriousy original Salon gold-plated frame of 19th century.

Measurements: unframed w 17 1/3" x h 22 1/2 " (44 x 57 cm), framed w 30 1/4" x h 35 1/2 " (77 x 90 cm).

Condition: in very good condition .