Ricci’s paintings are representative of the transition from the 17th-century’s emotionally affective, dramatic style to the more playful approach of the early 18th century. This work depicts an episode from the ancient Greek poem The Argonautica, in which the banished King Phineas is rescued from the punishing harpies. Though Ricci is primarily known for decorating walls with large canvases or frescoes, this picture demonstrates his facility for creating light, elegant paintings in rich hues and small formats.

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