National Gallery of Australia | Audio Tour | Three Centuries of Italian Art

At a time when most of the contemporary art was allegorical and decorative Longhi’s scenes of 18th century life were a novelty. Working in an almost miniaturist tradition he painted well-to-do Venetians in the comfort of their drawing rooms. Based on careful drawings he captures the appearance and dress of this unidentified noble family and thereby presents a valuable visual social history.