FNetti

The convalescence

Oil on canvas, cm 48,3x36

Signed on the lower right «FNetti»

Bari, Pinacoteca Metropolitana “Corrado Giaquinto”

In 1955, Antonio Benagiano purchased this painting, along with two other Netti’s canvases: Festival in Grez and Study for “Rest in harvest”. Netti uses the theme of the open window, typical of the early period: it is also observed in Remembrances of 15th May 1848, whose main subject, according to the artist’s words, is the window. If in the latter, however, the window leaves an active role to an inquisitive light, in the case of the painting Convalescence, the window should be considered more as a mental way out of the young woman, with a tired attitude, waiting to be able to enjoy again what is shown beyond it. The theme of the sick woman is also frequent in the Netti’s production (along with the theme of death, as you see in The Crisis). Here she is lying on an armchair with a large pillow (Mariano Fortuny seems to be inspired in 1871 with his Convalescence) and can find an antecedent in the figure of Eleonora, in the various editorial offices of Tasso and Eleonora d’Este by Domenico Morelli.