Giovanni Boldini | Treccia bionda / Blonde Braid, 1891

Giovanni Boldini | Blond Braid, 1891

Based on its messy and impulsive pictorial style, "Treccia bionda" is generally dated to the beginning of the 1890s, by which point Giovanni Boldini (1842 -1931) had already moved to Paris.

In addition to serving as an example of Impressionist painting from that time, the faintness of the strokes showcases an in-depth knowledge of Frans Hals' chiaroscuro technique; it seems that Boldini may have become close with him during a trip to Amsterdam in 1876.

Unlike many of the artist's female portraits, in which the entire figure functions as a means of showcasing all the details of the protagonists' elegant and elaborate dresses, this painting limits the appearance of the figure to the bust.

Giovanni Boldini | Treccia bionda, 1891 (detail) | GAM - Galleria d'Arte Moderna di Milano

Antonio Canova | Hebe, 1796

Hebe is one of the most famous works of Antonio Canova (1757-1822), an outstanding Neoclassical sculptor of the late 18th - early 19th century.

According to ancient myth, Hebe was the daughter of Zeus and Hera and was the embodiment of youth.

As serving-maid to the gods on Mount Olympus, she was responsible for bringing round cups of nectar, the drink of eternal youth and immortality, during feasts.

Canova depicted the goddess flitting swiftly and easily across the clouds, hardly touching them with the toes of her bare feet.

Antonio Canova (1757-1822) | Hebe, 1800-1805 | Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg