Full-length Portrait Of Giacomo Pesenti, Attributed To Carlo Ceresa (bergamo, 1609–1697)
Artist: Attribuable à Carlo Ceresa (san Giovanni Bianco 1609 - Bergame 1679)
Carlo Ceresa (San Giovanni Bianco 1609 – Bergamo 1679) attributed to
Full-length portrait of Giacomo Pesenti
Oil on canvas (206 x 121 cm - framed 212 x 133 cm.)
Full details of this painting can be viewed directly via this - LINK -
This fascinating portrait, depicting a full-length gentleman and dating to the 17th century, illustrates the stylistic and compositional details typical of Lombard painting, particularly that of Bergamo: 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 attribute this work to the portraitist Carlo Ceresa, one of the most illustrious figure painters from Bergamo in the 17th century, capable of developing a style of intense realism and acute psychological insight. In his works—and our portrait perfectly reflects these standards—an extraordinary naturalistic touch, great realism, and remarkable simplicity are evident.
Those traits of severity, moral rigor, and austerity typical of his portraiture find a perfect balance here: never courtly or rhetorical, his portraits are deeply linked to the concept of the Counter-Reformation. By immortalizing the leading figures of the time, he established himself as a point of reference for the Bergamo aristocracy, from the Vertovas to the Pesentis to the Secco Suardos.
The subject of the portrait is Giacomo Pesenti, depicted here life-size in a formal black suit, his left hand resting on a table, upon which lie writing implements and a manuscript, and his right hand, with a signet ring on his little finger, hanging loosely at his side while holding his gloves.
He wears a suit of incredible formality, dressed as befits a man of his high social standing, while the sharp light focuses on his face with an intensity that seems accentuated by the reflection off the crisp white collar, with its sharp outline.
For Ceresa, it is not the richness of the attire that gives value to the subject; but rather to convey emotion and bring out the person’s character—and he succeeds wonderfully in this, aided by his ability to capture the essence of the person and convey it in his painting through the face and the light used as a powerful expressive element.
The image indeed highlights that “Counter-Reformation” composure typical of the portraiture of painters active in this area and era, adhering to a realism that includes austerity of intent and character, resulting in portraits, such as the one under consideration, of great impact and character.
The gentleman, with his long silvery hair and faint mustache, is portrayed with a penetrating gaze fixed on the viewer, with an energetic and charismatic appearance, as befitted members of Bergamo’s most influential families who attained power and wealth through the textile trade and financial dealings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The painting is in good condition, though there are some age-related imperfections on the canvas and frame that do not detract from the work’s overall impact.
The work is sold complete with its wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
Full-length portrait of Giacomo Pesenti
Oil on canvas (206 x 121 cm - framed 212 x 133 cm.)
Full details of this painting can be viewed directly via this - LINK -
This fascinating portrait, depicting a full-length gentleman and dating to the 17th century, illustrates the stylistic and compositional details typical of Lombard painting, particularly that of Bergamo: 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 attribute this work to the portraitist Carlo Ceresa, one of the most illustrious figure painters from Bergamo in the 17th century, capable of developing a style of intense realism and acute psychological insight. In his works—and our portrait perfectly reflects these standards—an extraordinary naturalistic touch, great realism, and remarkable simplicity are evident.
Those traits of severity, moral rigor, and austerity typical of his portraiture find a perfect balance here: never courtly or rhetorical, his portraits are deeply linked to the concept of the Counter-Reformation. By immortalizing the leading figures of the time, he established himself as a point of reference for the Bergamo aristocracy, from the Vertovas to the Pesentis to the Secco Suardos.
The subject of the portrait is Giacomo Pesenti, depicted here life-size in a formal black suit, his left hand resting on a table, upon which lie writing implements and a manuscript, and his right hand, with a signet ring on his little finger, hanging loosely at his side while holding his gloves.
He wears a suit of incredible formality, dressed as befits a man of his high social standing, while the sharp light focuses on his face with an intensity that seems accentuated by the reflection off the crisp white collar, with its sharp outline.
For Ceresa, it is not the richness of the attire that gives value to the subject; but rather to convey emotion and bring out the person’s character—and he succeeds wonderfully in this, aided by his ability to capture the essence of the person and convey it in his painting through the face and the light used as a powerful expressive element.
The image indeed highlights that “Counter-Reformation” composure typical of the portraiture of painters active in this area and era, adhering to a realism that includes austerity of intent and character, resulting in portraits, such as the one under consideration, of great impact and character.
The gentleman, with his long silvery hair and faint mustache, is portrayed with a penetrating gaze fixed on the viewer, with an energetic and charismatic appearance, as befitted members of Bergamo’s most influential families who attained power and wealth through the textile trade and financial dealings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The painting is in good condition, though there are some age-related imperfections on the canvas and frame that do not detract from the work’s overall impact.
The work is sold complete with its wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
9 000 €
Period: 17th century
Style: Renaissance, Louis 13th
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting
Width: encadré 133 cm.
Height: encadré 212 cm.
Reference (ID): 1779259
Availability: In stock
Print
