Oil on canvas, unlined, 48.5cm by 62.5cm. In a carved and giltwood frame.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the son of a river god and a nymph who was renowned for his exceptional beauty.
Gazing into a pool, he fell in love with his own reflection, unaware that it was merely an image. He was unable to withdraw and eventually died of unrequited love.
The artist was born in Bologna and was one of the leading artists of the Bolognese School in the Baroque period, painting mainly religious and mythological subjects.
He also painted extensive fresco cycles, many of which were later destroyed by fire, or during the Second World War.
