Anton Maria Vassallo (Genova, 1615 ca.-Milano, 1657 ca.)
Circe, 1645/1650 ca.
oil on canvas; inv. P 209
acquisition: bequest of Pier Ignazio Rusconi, 1930
A “minor” figure in the rich artistic panorama of the 17th century,
Genovese Painter Anton Maria Vassallo incorporated elements of realism
from northern Europe that he had learned from his master, the Flemish
painter Vincenzo Malò. Vassallo gained particular renown for his skill
in depicting animals and still lifes. He specialized in biblical and
mythological scenes featuring animals – a genre very popular in Genova
during the 17th century. Vassallo recreated this Homeric scene at least
eight different times with the depiction of Circe surrounded by beasts,
which were formerly men. He usually adopted a similar composition
taking his figures from a well-known repertoire. The dog, seen from
behind, for example, is found in three other versions with no
significant variants.
