Scuola napoletana (XIX) - Ritratto di gentiluomo

Old painting, oil on canvas, from the XIXth century, around 1820, depicting a Portrait of a Gentleman. Interesting half-length male portrait, executed within Neapolitan painting of the first half of the 19th century, attributable to the portrait culture developed in Naples during the Restoration years. The effigy is represented three-quarters, with the face turned directly toward the observer, emerging prominently from the dark background. He wears a dark jacket and a shirt widely open at the chest, completed by a wide silk tie or handkerchief, finely decorated and gathered into a soft knot at the front. The choice of clothing and the pose give the character a relaxed and strongly individualized character, in keeping with a sensibility attributable to Romantic portraiture of the early decades of the 19th century. The painting technique shows good execution quality, particularly appreciable in the rendering of the face, the complexion and the definition of the fabrics, while the dark outfit deliberately blends with the background, concentrating attention on the sitter’s features and the particular treatment of the neck and shirt. In terms of approach, facial characterization, and figurative culture, the work can be referred to the Neapolitan portraiture milieu active from the end of the second decade to the 1830s, in which artists such as Giuseppe Cammarano, Costanzo Angelini operated, and in the following generation, Gennaro Maldarelli. Cammarano, in particular, is documented as the author of a significant series of portraits executed between 1818 and 1820 for the family of Francesco I, testimony to the importance assumed by the individual portrait in the Bourbon Neapolitan artistic environment. The work bears no visible signatures and is therefore proposed as a painting by a painter linked to the Neapolitan school. The work presents itself in good overall condition, with signs of time consistent with its age. Some scattered restoration points are noticeable, as well as slight underpaintings and cracking of the paint surface, overall of contained extent and not in any way compromising the legibility of the representation. The craquelure is homogeneous and referable to the period, with no signs of active detachments. The original canvas has a lining that ensures correct tension and shows no conservation problems. The wooden frame appears to be contemporaneous with the lining and shows no structural issues. Overall the work is solid, well preserved and with a coherent historical patina, testifying to its authenticity and natural conservation evolution over time. The painting is accompanied by an antique gilded frame. Defects, losses and signs of wear, as well as restorations and additions visible along the profiles are noted. The frame is included as a courtesy and is not an integral part of the artwork; any damage to it will not be a ground for complaint or order cancellation. Measurements of the painting: 66 x 48 cm - Frame measurements: 81 x 65 cm The work is accompanied by a photographic certificate of authenticity, as required by current law. Shipping with insured express courier and packing carried out with the utmost care.

Estimate:$1,685.57

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