This is a Gouache on paper (I think), approximately 35 X 50 CM. Signed "Ricciardi" at the bottom right. There are a number or artists named Ricciardi, but based on the style and signature, I believe it is Oscar Ricciardi. I think the setting is the "Temple of Castor and Pollux" on the southern coast of Sicily. Garage sale find.
What a fun garage sale find! Think you're right re location. As to Oscar Ricciardi... I'm doubtful. The painting above is much more illustrative in style. And the figure on the left appears to be wearing 1950s clothing. (Oscar's dates are 1864-1935.) Here's another painting, also a "rare" gouache, attributed by the seller to Oscar Ricciardi. Think it's by the same hand as yours. And the signatures match. Debora
Thanks Debora, that all makes sense. I hadn't considered the style of dress of the young ladies, but you're right that it hints at more like a 1950's timeframe than when Oscar Ricciardi was working. Examples of his signature that I've seen are similar, but just different enough to throw more doubt. And all the examples of his work that I could find were oil on canvas. Doesn't mean he never worked with gouache, but all taken together with your stylistic observations means it's probably not his. Wonder who it could be? Perhaps a relative :>)
I sold a Ricciardi (Oscar) at Sotheby's new York about 25 years ago and it did not look like this persons work.
As promised, I took it out of the frame. Photo of the back is attached. Nothing there helps with identification, looks like the writing that is on there only relates to framing instructions. I took another photo of the front since I had it out of the frame, just for fun.
Reminds me of the illustrations on some of Mary Stewart's books set in Greece. Same period I'd think. Late 1950s/early 1960s. Debora
