Asta Enchères - Maison de ventes aux enchères Corse-Paris
121
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20th century school Political allegory.
See original version (French)
121
-
20th century school Political allegory.
See original version (French)
Estimate €400 - €600
Voluntary lot
Description
20th century school
Political allegory.
Oil on canvas.
90 x 68 cm.
Accidents and restorations.
Provenance: Château de Canari (Cap Corse), Marcantetti family.
The Château de Canari is the former residence of the Cenci family. The full title of the Cenci de Canari was "Barons of Canari, Nonza and Ogliastro" since 1556. The Cenci family thus controlled three baronies.
The last representative of the family to own Canari Castle was Maria Vittoria Cenci, Marquise d'Albon, who was living in Rome at the time with her French husband. She sold the castle to the Mattei family, who in turn sold the barony in 1880 to Toussaint Marcantetti, a pharmacist from Bastia and mayor of Canari. His three children were born at the château.
This political allegory was probably painted in the 1920s, depicting a female figure symbolising Italy triumphing over the "red peril".
The composition shows the crushing of socialist and communist publications - Unity, Communism, The Red Spectre, Red Italy - while a snake, a symbol of subversion, is subdued by the patriotic allegory draped in the Italian national colours.
This iconography is set against the backdrop of the political tensions of the inter-war period and the rise of Italian nationalist movements.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Lot description modified on 05/28/2026 at 5:50 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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