Attributable to Carlo Ceresa (San Giovanni Bianco 1609 – Bergamo 1679)
Full-length portrait of Giacomo Pesenti
Oil on canvas (206 x 121 cm - framed 212 x 133cm.)
Full details of this painting can be found directly from this - LINK -
This fascinating full-length portrait of a gentleman, datable to the 17th century, illustrates the stylistic and compositional details typical of Lombard, and especially Bergamo, painting: this reference is reflected in elements such as the natural light, the sober and austere setting and, above all, the subtle psychological characterization of the face.
We are inclined to identify the hand of the portrait painter Carlo Ceresa, one of the most illustrious figure painters from Bergamo of the 17th century, capable of developing a style of intense realism and acute psychological investigation. In his works, and our portrait perfectly reflects its canons, there is an evident extraordinary naturalistic imprint, great realism, remarkable essentiality.
Those traits of severity, moral rigor and austerity typical of his portraiture find a perfect balance here: never pompous and rhetorical, his portraits are deeply linked to the concept of the Counter-Reformation. Immortalizing the main personalities of the time, he established himself as a reference point for the Bergamo aristocracy, from the Vertova to the Pesenti to the Secco Suardo families.
The portrait depicts Giacomo Pesenti, immortalized here in life-size with a rigorous black suit, his left hand resting on a table, on which the writing utensils and a manuscript are placed, and his right hand, with a signet ring on his little finger, is abandoned along his side while holding his gloves.
He wears an incredibly rigorous suit, dressed as befits a man of his high social extraction, while the sharp light concentrates on the face, with an intensity that seems accentuated by the reflection of the candid collar, with its clean profile.
For Ceresa, it is not the richness of the dress that gives value to the effigy, it is necessary to give sentiment and bring out the character of the person and he does this wonderfully, helped by his ability to grasp the essence of the person and return it to us in painting through the face and the light used as a strong expressive element.
The image highlights that 'Counter-Reformation' composure typical of the portraiture of painters active in this area and era, adhering to a verism that includes austerity of intent and character, which result in portraits, like the one under examination, of great impact and character.
The gentleman, with his long silvery hair and hinted-at mustache, is portrayed with a penetrating and fixed gaze towards the observer, with an energetic and charismatic appearance, as befitted the members of the most influential Bergamo families who achieved power and wealth with the textile trade and financial transactions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The painting is in good condition and there are some losses on the canvas and frame linked to the time that do not alter the reading of the work.
The work is sold complete with a wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.
Also follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
