AFTER FRANCESCO BEDA. (Austro-Hungarian, 1840-1900). The Presentation of the Favorite, 19th century oil on canvas signed "G. Marzelli" (lower right hand corner). Framed. - Sight (approx): 31 x 51 inches; frame: 39 x 59 inches Estimate $3,500-4,500
PROVENANCE: Acquired at Sloans; 9 July 1995; lot 1800
ARTIST PROFILE: Francesco Beda was a painter from Austria-Hungary, mainly depicted costume genre subjects. The "costume genre subjects" were popular with some buyers, and depicted individuals in anachronistic, often aristocratic garb of the prior centuries, often entertained in either gallantry or frivolous enjoyment. Francesco studied with Karl von Blaas in Vienna, but in addition to working in his native Trieste, he travelled and painted for patrons in Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. He painted portraits of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Prince of Rolian, and Bishop Strossmayer of Zagreb. He also had an interest in Orientalist subjects as exemplified by Il Caffè Orientale di Trieste (c. 1888), now on display in the Civic Museum of Oriental Art of Trieste and the Capture of Slaves.
