Ancient painting "Folly" oil on canvas Italy late 18th century

Oil on canvas. Second half of the 18th century. A portion of a large ruined architectural structure occupies the entire scene: a portico topped with a balustrade, overrun with plants, surrounds a courtyard where various popular figures move about, engaged in their activities. A bright blue sky overlooks the structure, and light filters through one of the arches to create a play of light and shadows under the portico. On the back of the frame is an attribution to Gaetano Vetturali (1701-1783), although the quality of the figures here seems superior to those of the artist from Lucca, who established himself in his territory with his architectonic whims of great scenographic impact. The painting is presented in a gilded frame of the style.