SMALL ITALIAN OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING 'THE WINE TASTING'

Charming mid-20th Century Italian school oil on canvas painting, depicting a humorous wine tasting scene between a monk and a local wine maker. 

The monk, shown holding two tasting glasses with rosary suspended from his habit, appears deep in contemplation while the eager wine seller waits expectantly beside him with bottle in hand. Executed in a warm, earthy palette with expressive characterful faces and strong narrative quality. 

Unsigned or indistinctly signed lower right. Presented in a simple later painted wooden frame with distressed sage-green finish. A decorative and engaging genre painting with good rustic Italian character.

In overall good decorative condition with minor surface wear, craquelure and age-related marks commensurate with use. Frame with scuffs and losses to painted finish. Indistinct signature lower right.