A pair of hunting and fishing still lifes was executed in 1888 by well- known Italian painter Pompeo Massani (1850 - Florence - 1920).

Massani studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, where he was a student of, among others, Michele Gordigiani. After completing his studies, he traveled extensively, capturing his impressions in his paintings. From 1879 onward, he also exhibited his work outside of Florence, for example in Rovigo and Genoa. In 1908, Massani assumed the directorship of his former school.

Massani was a painter of figures, genre scenes,still lifes and portraits. His "skillful evocation of emotion and meticulous depiction of the individual," which "produces warm and humorous images," is particularly noteworthy. His often small-format paintings focus on elderly men, depicting them participating in life's simple pleasures, but not on professional models.

Literture: Art lexicons by Comnducci; ThIeme/Becker; Saur.

Inscription: both signed , fishing still life signed 1888. 

Technique:  both oils on canvases, original period frames.

Measurements: each unframed w 19 3/4" x h 39 3/8" (50 x 100 cm), each framed 24 5/8" x 44 1/2" (62,5 x 113 cm).

Condition: very good.