Painter active in Rome in the 16th-17th century, Portrait of a lady

Painter active in Rome in the 16th-17th century, Portrait of a lady
Technique: oil painting on canvas
Dimensions: 37 x 32 cm

The interesting portrait of a lady presented here exemplifies the salient features of that portraiture of international taste and strong mimetic qualities that from northern Europe had widespread diffusion in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century. And this is how the great skill in portraying "natural" and the extraordinary material rendering of the decorations, peculiar characteristics of this canvas, make one think of the great portrait painters active in Rome and Florence between the end of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth century and, in particular way, to Scipione Pulzone (1544-1598) and his circle. Here we find the elegant calligraphy in restoring the material and lenticular rendering of the fabrics and laces, the diffused half-light, the soft chiaroscuro contrasts (on the reflections of the earring and the pearl necklace) and the absolute control of the expression of the portrayed : precisely the characteristics for which Scipio was widely praised in his life and which made Borghini write, in 1584 that "... his portraits look alive".

The painting, reintelated, is in good condition. Analyzed under Wood's lamp, repaintings are visible, some ancient, others more recent, not affecting the eyes or the precious lace of the dress. In frame.