Circle of Michelangelo Maestri (Italian, circa 1779-1812) A group of forty four works of mythical subjects gouache all 15 x 21cm (5 7/8 x 8 1/4in). (44) Footnotes: Michelangelo Maestri is best known for his bodycolours, which were inspired by the recently unearthed wall frescoes of Pompeii. These works, often created from heavily etched outlines, gained popularity among travellers on the Grand Tour. In addition to Roman frescoes, Maestri also drew influence from Renaissance masters such as Giulio Romano (c. 1499-1546) and Raphael Sanzio da Urbino (1483-1520). The pieces in the current lot come from his widely admired series The Hours of Day or Night, believed to be based on works by Raphael, though the original compositions have since been lost. These gouaches are thought to be copies of ancient wall paintings from Pompeii, offering a glimpse into the classical world through the lens of Roman frescoes. They feature an array of mythological figures drawn from the rich pantheon of antiquity, each rendered in vibrant colour and precise detail. Bacchus, or Dionysus, the youthful god of wine, appears amongst grapevines and satyrs. Aphrodite, or Venus, emerges as a beautiful, lightly clad or nude figure, sometimes with her shell and doves, evoking the allure of love and beauty. Apollo, the god of music and poetry, is depicted as a handsome youth with laurel wreath, leading the muses. Mercury, the messenger, is identifiable by his winged sandals or helmet and caduceus staff. Playful scenes of Cupid, the winged youth armed with bow and arrows, often accompany Venus, symbolizing the mischievous spirit of love. The collection brings to life the maenads, the dancing female followers of Bacchus, alongside the half-goat satyrs in processions. Hercules, is depicted with his lion skin and club, while Diana, the huntress, is shown with her bow. These gouaches, inspired by the ancient murals unearthed in Pompeii, beautifully capture the grandeur and vitality of Roman decorative art, offering a fascinating window into the mythological and artistic heritage of the ancient world. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing