Items Similar to Accademic Study of girl’s head. By Enrico Reffo
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17
Accademic Study of girl’s head. By Enrico Reffo
$191.65
$239.5720% Off
£143.31
£179.1420% Off
€160
€20020% Off
CA$264.05
CA$330.0620% Off
A$287.98
A$359.9820% Off
CHF 152.55
CHF 190.6920% Off
MX$3,452.53
MX$4,315.6620% Off
NOK 1,942.87
NOK 2,428.5920% Off
SEK 1,776.61
SEK 2,220.7720% Off
DKK 1,219.26
DKK 1,524.0820% Off
About the Item
Academic studi of girl’s head.
Charcoal on colored paper.
By Enrico Reffo.
This artwork is part of a collection of approximately twenty preparatory drawings, figure studies, and sketches on wooden panels by Enrico Reffo (1831-1917), a renowned Italian painter specializing in sacred art. These works represent preliminary studies for altarpieces and other religious compositions, offering a rare insight into the artist’s meticulous creative process.
The drawings come directly from Reffo’s own studio and were preserved by his most trusted pupil and artistic heir, Luigi Guglielmino. This particular study exemplifies Reffo’s distinctive style, which blends academic precision with a deep spiritual vision. His works, though firmly rooted in 19th-century religious art, resonate with a refined mysticism and a subtle echo of the Pre-Raphaelites, evident in his elongated, ethereal yet realistic figures. His delicate floral motifs and harmonious compositions further enhance the contemplative quality of his sacred subjects.
Reffo was among the last great painters of faith at a time when religious art was losing prominence in mainstream artistic circles. His paintings and drawings are featured in several important churches in Piedmont, including the Church of San Domenico and the Sanctuary of the Consolata in Turin.
This rare preparatory study offers a unique opportunity to acquire a fragment of the creative process of one of Italy’s leading sacred painters of the 19th century.
Enrico Reffo (1831-1917) – Biography
Enrico Reffo was born in Turin, Italy, on July 31, 1831, and became one of the leading painters of 19th-century Italian sacred art. His career was deeply rooted in academic training, yet his work transcended mere technical precision to convey a profound sense of mysticism and spiritual contemplation.
At a time when religious painting was losing prominence in favor of historical and genre subjects, Reffo remained faithful to sacred themes, developing a style that combined technical refinement, serene yet intense devotion, and an ethereal, almost Pre-Raphaelite quality. His elongated figures, infused with delicacy and realism, often appear immersed in a meditative atmosphere, reflecting his deep religious convictions. His works also display a subtle ornamental sensibility, with floral decorations and finely detailed elements that enhance their spiritual aura.
Reffo’s artistic career was closely tied to the Collegio degli Artigianelli in Turin, a prestigious institution dedicated to educating young artisans and artists. There, he founded and directed a school of painting and sculpture, training many pupils, including his most devoted student and heir, Luigi Guglielmino.
His paintings and frescoes adorn numerous Piedmontese churches, including the Church of San Domenico and the Sanctuary of the Consolata in Turin. Reffo’s ability to convey expressive spirituality and harmonious compositions made his work highly sought after by religious institutions.
Despite his significant contributions to 19th-century sacred art, his name remains less well known outside ecclesiastical circles. However, his dedication to faith-inspired art and his ability to elevate traditional religious themes through luminous and contemplative imagery make him one of the last great sacred painters of his time.
Enrico Reffo passed away in Turin on July 16, 1917, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continued through Luigi Guglielmino, who carefully preserved his studio and artistic heritage.
This biography provides a well-rounded introduction to Reffo’s life and work. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!
- Attributed to:Enrico Reffo (1831 - 1917, Italian)
- Dimensions:Height: 12.6 in (32 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Firenze, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2464215881102
About the Seller
4.9
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2016
1stDibs seller since 2023
87 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 4 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Firenze, Italy
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllHead of a Monk – Preparatory Study, Atelier of Enrico Reffo
Located in Firenze, IT
Study of a Kneeling Figure, from the Circle of Enrico Reffo
Charcoal on lightly toned paper
47 x 32 cm
Late 19th – early 20th century
From the atelier of one of Reffo’s pupils
This ...
Category
Late 19th Century Academic Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Pencil, Carbon Pencil
$239 Sale Price
20% Off
Head Study of a Young Man with Open Collar, French School circa 1820–1840
Located in Firenze, IT
Head Study of a Young Man with Open Collar, French School circa 1820–1840
Oil on canvas, 50 × 44 cm with frame
Frame in painted wood with traces of gilding
An elegant oil on canvas ...
Category
Early 19th Century Romantic Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Academic Study of a Horse’s Head
Located in Firenze, IT
Academic Study of a Horse’s Head, 59 × 43 cm
Mid-19th century
Graphite on watermarked paper “D. I. Calamari”
An academic study of a horse’s head, drawn as part of mid-19th-century t...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian School Animal Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Graphite
Academic Study of the Roman Bust, Tuscan School, 44 × 34 cm
Located in Firenze, IT
Academic Study of the Roman Bust, Tuscan School, 44 × 34 cm
Mid-19th century
Pencil on paper
Academic study of a Roman bust, drawn in pencil with a balanced sense of form and light....
Category
Mid-19th Century Academic Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Carbon Pencil







