Melancholic Thoughts (by Francesco Hayez) Ceramic Tree Decoration

This design features a painting by Italian artist Francesco Hayez (1791–1882), who is generally is considered to be one of the foremost artists of the Romantic movement in 19th-century Milan. The artist described the work himself as follows: "Melancholy is shown as a mediaeval young woman taken by a feeling of love, standing in an abandoned pose, who despite her passion for the flowers collected in a vase holds one in her hand, perhaps remembering the person she cares for, keeping her head somewhat bowed the better to nurture the thought which dominates her, not caring for anything around her, and her clothes falling from one shoulder, leaving part of her breast visible. The dress is in light blue satin which I thought best-suited to the subject, also because it contrasts with the live colours of the various flowers, which I painted from life with conscientious attention." The original work was completed in 1842.