the collector's folio

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

Portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1861, Silvestro Lega

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.

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #1: Portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Dark

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$18126 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Head of the Virgin Mary from Perugino – Silvestro Lega

1845 · original 30 x 23 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #2: Head of the Virgin Mary from Perugino

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Monochrome

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$18127 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of his brother Ettore as a child (1855)

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

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #3: Portrait of his brother Ettore as a child

Color Palette: Earthy

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$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18731 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Among the flowers in the garden, Silvestro Lega

1862 · original 49.7 x 59.0cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #4: Among the flowers in the garden

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$18135 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24059 × 50 cm Commission at original size

Camp of Zouaves – Silvestro Lega

1861 · original 62 x 129 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #5: Camp of Zouaves

Art Movement: Realism

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$45645 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$669129 × 62 cm Commission at original size

The water wheel [sketch] – Silvestro Lega

1863 · original 15 x 37 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #6: The water wheel [sketch]

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$18151 × 20 cm Commission this artwork

In the cellar (1870) by Silvestro Lega

1870 · original 27 x 35 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #7: In the cellar

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Reading by Silvestro Lega

1864 · original 16 x 11 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #8: Reading

Art Movement: Impressionism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$20627 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The reading by Silvestro Lega, 1867

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

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #9: The reading

Art Movement: Realism

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$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The painter (1869) by Silvestro Lega

1869 · original 81 x 35 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #10: The painter

Art Movement: Realism

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$18121 × 48 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23735 × 81 cm Commission at original size

The Dying Mazzini (Mazzini morente), 1873, Silvestro Lega

1873 · Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 76.5 x 100.3cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #11: The Dying Mazzini (Mazzini morente)

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$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$384100 × 77 cm Commission at original size

Woman sitting by a window sewing

1872 · original 33 x 23 cm

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$18126 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

In the garden by Silvestro Lega, 1883

1883 · original 29 x 38 cm

Silvestro Lega’s ‘In the Garden’ (1883) captures rural tranquility in an Impressionistic oil painting. Admire its soft hues & domestic scene – a serene snapshot of Italian life.

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #13: In the garden

Art Movement: Impressionism

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$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18438 × 29 cm Commission at original size

Pitcher painted with bust of a young woman and floral motifs (1885) by Silvestro Lega

1885 · original 22 x 1 cm

1885 Silvestro Lega pitcher painting: Romantic Realism featuring a young woman & floral motifs on ceramic. Explore this evocative Macchiaioli artwork's texture, light & historical charm.

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #14: Pitcher painted with bust of a young woman and floral motifs

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

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$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Man writing (1885)

1885 · original 29 x 22 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #15: Man writing

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Monochrome

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$18127 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a peasant woman (1890)

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.

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #16: Portrait of a peasant woman

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18328 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Head of a boy by Silvestro Lega

1890 · original 37 x 26 cm

Experience the poignant beauty of Silvestro Lega’s ‘Head of a Boy’ (1890). A captivating portrait in oil, showcasing his signature style & Italian realism. Own a unique piece of art history.

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #17: Head of a boy

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$18126 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Woman from Gabbro by Silvestro Lega

1888 · original 38 x 30 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #18: Woman from Gabbro

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18530 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Bust of a young girl, Silvestro Lega

1887 · original 14 x 9 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #19: Bust of a young girl

Art Movement: Impressionism
Color Palette: Dark

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$18125 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Peasant women from Gabbro (1889)

1889 · original 35 x 61 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #20: Peasant women from Gabbro

Art Movement: Impressionism

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$23142 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26661 × 35 cm Commission at original size

Peasant woman at rest (1890) by Silvestro Lega

1890 · original 28 x 49 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #21: Peasant woman at rest

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Dark

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$18142 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19349 × 28 cm Commission at original size

La visita, Silvestro Lega

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.

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #22: La visita

Art Movement: Macchiaioli Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

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$18145 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20860 × 31 cm Commission at original size

Bust of a peasant woman (1873) by Silvestro Lega

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.

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #23: Bust of a peasant woman

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Dark

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$18126 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18226 × 40 cm Commission at original size

Villa Batelli along the Affrico river – Silvestro Lega

1863 · original 43 x 79 cm

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #24: Villa Batelli along the Affrico river

Art Movement: Realism

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$18142 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25479 × 43 cm Commission at original size

Il primo dolore by Silvestro Lega, 1863

1863

View the most popular artwork of Silvestro Lega ranked #25: Il primo dolore

Color Palette: Earthy

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$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Silvestro Lega

1826 – 1895

Quick facts

Topics exploredportrait, rural life, italy, 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
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

Where are Silvestro Lega's artworks grouped by keywords?

The By Keywords page of Silvestro Lega groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

What are the birth city and country of Silvestro Lega?

Silvestro Lega was born in Modigliana, in Italy.

How can I see every artwork made by Silvestro Lega?

Every work by Silvestro Lega on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

By the WahooArt.com 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?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Silvestro Lega

Every artwork by Silvestro Lega in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Silvestro Lega