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Silvestro Lega Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Silvestro Lega our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Silvestro Lega · 1826 – 1895

The owner of the farm

1887 · Palazzo Pitti, Florence · original 40 x 24 cm

Silvestro Lega's 'The Owner of the Farm' (1887) captures a serene woman tending her garden, reflecting Italian Realism and rural life. A beautiful painting by Lega.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17724 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Head of a woman

1885 · Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan · original 51 x 37 cm

Admire 'Head of a Woman' by Silvestro Lega – a captivating 1885 portrait showcasing realism & subtle beauty. Explore the artistry and intrigue behind this Italian masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20337 × 51 cm Commission at original size

The Bandini sisters

1890 · Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto · original 36 x 27 cm

Silvestro Lega (1826-1895) was a leading Italian Realist painter of the Macchiaioli movement, known for intimate scenes & landscapes reflecting rural life and the Risorgimento.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Self-portrait

1861 · Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence · original 12 x 10 cm

Admire Silvestro Lega’s ‘Self-portrait,’ a masterful Realist depiction capturing the contemplative gaze of an Italian gentleman. Explore museum-quality reproductions at WikiOO.org.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

In the villa

1880 · Palazzo Pitti, Florence · original 48 x 68 cm

Lega was born into an affluent family in Modigliana

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24468 × 48 cm Commission at original size

La visita

1868 · Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, Rome · original 31 x 60 cm

Silvestro Lega's 'La Visita' (1868) captures a candid street scene with five figures, showcasing Italian Realism and social interaction. Explore this iconic painting’s history & artistry.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17745 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20360 × 31 cm Commission at original size

The pergola

1864 · Palazzo Pitti, Florence · original 20 x 26 cm

Discover Silvestro Lega’s ‘The Pergola,’ a captivating 1864 oil painting showcasing Impressionistic brushwork & warm earth tones. Explore plein air beauty & Macchiaioli realism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Il pergolato (also known as Il dopopranzo)

1868 · Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Milan

Discover Silvestro Lega’s ‘Il Pergolato,’ a serene Macchiaioli masterpiece depicting women in idyllic leisure. Explore its light, color & 19th-century Italian realism. #ItalianArt #Macchiaioli #Lega

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Il canto di uno stornello

1867 · Palazzo Pitti, Florence · original 158 x 98 cm

Silvestro Lega's "Il canto di uno stornello" (1867) captures a serene domestic scene with musical figures, showcasing the artist’s Realist style and Macchiaioli movement influence.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$60198 × 158 cm Commission at original size

Ritorno di bersaglieri italiani da una ricognizione

1861 · Palazzo Pitti, Florence

This artwork is notable for its depiction of Bersaglieri – elite infantry units – leading Austrian prisoners, symbolizing victory and national pride. It resides in Palazzo Pitti, Florence.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17741 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Woman with ivy

1887

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi

1861

Admire Silvestro Lega’s ‘Portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi,’ a striking realist painting from 1861. Explore this Macchiaioli masterpiece featuring a rugged hero & rich details.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of his brother Ettore as a child

1855 · Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan · original 38.6 x 30.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18231 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Bust of a peasant woman

1873 · Palazzo Pitti, Florence · original 40 x 26 cm

Silvestro Lega’s 1873 ‘Bust of a Peasant Woman’ captures Italian Realism with a poignant portrait of introspection. This hand-painted reproduction showcases the artist's mastery and offers a timeless glimpse into everyday life.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$17826 × 40 cm Commission at original size

The painter

1869 · original 81 x 35 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17721 × 48 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23135 × 81 cm Commission at original size

Don Giovanni

original 28 x 19 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The letter

original 12 x 17 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20239 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a peasant woman

1890 · original 38 x 28 cm

Silvestro Lega’s "Portrait of a Peasant Woman" (1890) – an intimate oil painting showcasing realism & impressionism. Explore this evocative work's muted tones, impasto texture & melancholic beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$17928 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The stitcher of lace trimmings for women's dresses

original 52 x 37 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20537 × 52 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of a Child

1861 · original 56 x 49 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22949 × 56 cm Commission at original size

Country Girl Leaning against a Ladder

1885 · original 38 x 29 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18029 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Woman sitting by a window sewing

1872 · original 33 x 23 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Reading

1864 · original 16 x 11 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20227 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Villa Batelli along the Affrico river

1863 · original 43 x 79 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17742 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24879 × 43 cm Commission at original size

The reading

1867 · Pinacoteca metropolitana di Bari or Pinacoteca C. Giaquinto, Bari · original 27 x 20 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Silvestro Lega

1826 – 1895

Quick facts

Topics exploredrural life, italy, portrait, realism, landscape
Lifespan69 years
Museums on APSMuseum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto, Palazzo Pitti, Pinacoteca di Brera, Pinacoteca metropolitana di Bari or Pinacoteca C. Giaquinto, Galleria degli Uffizi
Died1895
Best occasionsaccent, statement
Emotional tonereflective
Creative periodsmature period
Vibecalm

Biography

Silvestro Lega: A Life in Italian Realism

Born: Modignan, Italy (1826)
Died: 1895

Silvestro Lega was a significant figure in 19th-century Italian art, recognized as a leading artist within the Macchiaioli movement. His work embodies a commitment to realism and observation of everyday life, intertwined with his involvement in the political currents of his time.

Early Life and Artistic Training

Family Background: Lega was born into an affluent family in Modigliana, near Forlì.
Education: From 1838, he attended the Piarist College where his drawing skills became apparent. He then studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence (1843-1847), initially under Benedetto Servolini and Tommaso Gazzarini for drawing, briefly studying painting with Giuseppe Bezzuoli.
Influence of Luigi Mussini: Lega’s training continued under Luigi Mussini, emphasizing 15th-century Florentine principles of drawing and construction. This foundation shaped his early artistic approach.
Military Service & Risorgimento: As a Garibaldian volunteer, Lega participated in the military campaigns for Italian independence (1848–49), demonstrating his engagement with the Risorgimento.
Further Studies: He later studied under Antonio Ciseri.

The Macchiaioli Movement and Artistic Development

Initial Academic Style: Initially, Lega’s style remained largely academic, as noted by contemporary Diego Martelli who observed his infrequent participation in the vibrant artistic discussions at the Caffè Michelangelo, a hub for young painters.
Transition to Realism: By 1859, Lega's work began shifting towards realism, moving away from Mussini’s purist approach. This evolution is evident in the lunettes he painted for the Oratory of the Madonna del Cantone in Modigliana (1858-1863).
En Plein Air Painting: Lega joined his Macchiaioli colleagues – Odoardo Borrani, Giuseppe Abbati, Telemaco Signorini, and Raffaello Sernesi – in embracing en plein air painting, directly observing and capturing the nuances of landscapes.
The Batelli Family Period (1861-1870): A significant period in Lega’s life was spent with the Batelli family near the Affrico River. This time profoundly influenced his art, as he depicted their children and women in numerous paintings, reflecting a sense of domestic tranquility.

Key Works and Artistic Style

Notable Paintings: Some of Lega’s most celebrated works include “A Walk in the Garden” (1870), "Il Pergolato" (also known as "Il dopopranzo") (1864), “The House of Don Giovanni Veritá” (1885), “In the Garden” (1883), and “Garden in Bellariva” (1884).
Style Characteristics: Lega’s style is characterized by a careful balance between traditional composition and contemporary use of color, derived from direct observation. He employed carefully defined forms and rendered atmosphere with transparency of colors. His later works show an Impressionistic influence.
Thematic Focus: His paintings often depict scenes of rural life, family gatherings, and portraits, reflecting a focus on the everyday experiences of ordinary people.

Later Years and Legacy

Personal Tragedy: The loss of Virginia Batelli (his companion), along with three brothers, plunged Lega into deep grief and depression in 1870. This period led to a four-year hiatus from painting (1874-1878).
Artistic Exploration & Impressionism: Despite his personal struggles, Lega remained engaged with the art world. He admired the works of Camille Pissarro and established an art gallery in Florence with Odoardo Borrani, though it was short-lived.
Final Years: In his later years, he became a tutor for the sons of the Tommasi family, finding renewed stability and artistic inspiration. His final works, such as “The Gabbarigiane,” demonstrate a continued commitment to realism despite failing eyesight.
Historical Significance: Silvestro Lega’s contribution lies in his ability to synthesize traditional compositional techniques with the emerging realist aesthetic of the Macchiaioli movement. He captured the essence of Italian life with sensitivity and skill, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences today. His focus on everyday subjects elevated them to artistic significance, contributing to the broader shift towards realism in 19th-century European art.

Questions & Answers

What are the birthplace and birth year of Silvestro Lega?

Silvestro Lega was born in Modigliana in 1826.

How many artworks by Silvestro Lega are available to browse?

You can browse 65 artworks by Silvestro Lega on the All Artworks page.

In which historical period did Silvestro Lega work?

Silvestro Lega worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Silvestro Lega was a prominent figure in which artistic movement?
Where was Silvestro Lega born?
Lega participated in military campaigns during which historical period?
What was a significant influence on Lega's artistic style after seeing works by Camille Pissarro?

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