markturpin.comBellini is named for Sicily's most famous opera composer, Vincenzo Bellini (1801-35). His best known opera, La Sonnambula was reportedly Queen Victoria's favorite. Bellini's friends and admirers included such talents as Chopin, Liszt, Schopenhauer, Verdi, and Wagner.
This room setting, with its faux stone archways, columns and railings, was devised as a wall hanging display for figures or reproductions in a miniature theatrical set. Mark's visit to the ancient theatre of Taormina, Sicily inspired him to create this scene. The dramatic setting and the view beyond the theatre ruins to Mt. Etna seemed like an island lost in time.
In the background of Bellini, a corner window reveals a view of Roman ruins common in Sicily. The opposing walls of the foreground are mirrored to create an illusion that the room extends forever. A staircase always hints at hidden attractions... in this case two mysteries. One is hidden behind an upstairs doorway and the other beneath, through the arch and behind the draperies. Classical elements include Corinthian capitals and a band of dentils in the cornice.
This room setting can be securely fixed upon the wall at home or in an office, or it can be displayed on a table or bookcase. Constructed of solid pine, birch plywood, basswood, resin, stainless steel, mirrors, glass, acrylic, fabric, stain ribbon, paper and paint.
Room dimensions: 22" wide, 7" deep, 16" high; Frame dimensions: 27" wide, 21" high; Overall depth of Bellini: 8.5"; 1:12 scale. Front is accessible via removable frame; suitable for wall hanging or table display. Sold.
Click on the thumbnail views below to enlarge the photos and start the slideshow. Scroll down to enjoy new photos of Bellini, decorated by the collector and embellished with figures of Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra, along with found treasures and artifacts.
