Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a charming mid-century Italian decorative print depicting King Louis XV's famous mistress, Madame de Pompadour, styled as the Roman goddess Diana the Huntress. The print is mounted on a wooden panel and housed in a classic Florentine-style hand-carved and heavily gilded scrollwork frame.
Story
In 1746, French court painter Jean-Marc Nattier depicted the king's mistress as a goddess. Two centuries later, Italian workshops reproduced this image for tourists seeking a touch of Old World aristocratic glamour.
Maker / Origin
While the original 18th-century painting was by Jean-Marc Nattier, this mid-century reproduction was crafted by one of the many artisan workshops in Florence, Italy. These workshops specialized in 'Florentine style' decorative arts, producing gilded trays, boxes, and framed prints that kept Renaissance and Rococo aesthetics alive for the post-WWII export market.
Condition & Value
The print shows some surface wear and minor discoloration consistent with age, which actually enhances its antique look. The giltwood frame has some light chipping to the gold finish, particularly on the raised scrollwork, and the backing paper shows minor tearing and staining. The overall condition is good and highly displayable.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.