Interesting oil on canvas painting depicting the portrait of a nobleman belonging to a high-ranking family, probably from central Italy. The helmet present in the lower right could indicate that the subject was a knight, allude to the defense of his house, or that the subject had historically been engaged on the military front. The gentleman, in his appearance and demeanor, shows characteristic traits of the Enlightenment era, as do the pompous and rich attire of various fabrics and embroideries, and rich velvet capes that the painter was able to realistically depict. Similarly, the interesting detail of the right hand resting on the pommel of the walking stick shows a conspicuous ruby ring.
The effigy was captured in a naturalistic three-quarter view with a diagonal body, showcasing the richness of his costume and a proud, confident face turned towards the viewer, in a style reminiscent of the late 17th-century classicists like Andrea Sacchi and Carlo Maratti, which would influence the triumphant and Rococo painting of Pompeo Batoni.
Anonymous portraitist from the Roman school active in the Papal States during the first half of the 18th century.
The dimensions of the painting are: canvas 74cm x 99cm, frame 94cm x 120cm.
The carved and gilded "Salvator Rosa" frame is contemporary to the painting, thus from the first half of the 18th century.
The painting is in good overall condition, it is on its original canvas, and the lively pigmentation of the painted surface is well-cleaned.
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