The earliest known written information about Francesco Cipper, known as Todeschini (Feldkirch, 1664 – Milan, 1736), comes from an anonymous note that appeared in the Gazette des Beaux-Arts in 1859. It describes four large-format genre scenes signed “Giacomo Francesco Cipper, German”, which belonged to the art dealer T. Walesby in London and came from the Stowe House collection.
C.’s work, as far as we know, consists exclusively of genre scenes with a very limited thematic repertoire. They are mostly of large format, often with life-size half-length or three-quarter-length figures. The setting and background are neglected, and the spatial relationships between people and objects are unclear, as they are mostly confined in a flat space.
Mostly popular types are depicted. Eating and drinking predominate (alone, in twos or in large groups), but other thematic elements (musicians, often flute-players, card or roshambo players, quarrels, beggars, mother with child, and so on) are also depicted, often without any plausible connection. Domestic chores such as laundry, sewing, spinning are also frequently portrayed. Another recurring motif is the teacher with pupils, whether teaching reading or music. Finally, a fourth important group: single figures of street vendors or various handicraft and market scenes, which can often be an opportunity to display splendid still life compositions. The figures, who present themselves to the viewer as if on a stage with their shabby, patched-up clothes, are not meant to cause compassion for their desolate condition, but rather to entertain. This is manifested above all in their sneering, contrite or sly expressions. The contrast with Ceruti’s figures, which almost always exude a certain melancholy, is striking.
The discovery of a signed work by Giacomo Francesco Cipper, entitled Contadini a tavola con vecchio che suona la ghironda is of extraordinary value. It will be sold at the Genoese auction of Old Master and 19th century paintings on 15 March 2022 with an estimated value of €15,000 – €20,000.
