Luigi Bardi (c.1800-c.1880) Virgin And Child After Raphael

Luigi BARDI
(Florence around 1800 - around 1880)
Virgin and Child, after Raphaël (Madonna del Granduca)
Oil on canvas
H. 85 cm; L. 57 cm - H. 116 cm; L. 86 cm for the frame
Signed and dated lower right

Although Luigi Bardi marked the history of art with his talent as a copyist of 15th century Italian works, little information about his life has succeeded in us reach. Renowned publisher of 19th century Florence, Bardi was also an engraver, lithographer and dealer in antique books. This set of knowledge and practices allowed him to circulate in the world of Florentine collectors and to approach the most beautiful works of Italian masters.

The splendid copy that we present, is made around 1840 (a date of 20 November 18 ?? remains illegible) at Palazzo Pitti where it has been located since 1815. This Madonna del Granduca bears this name since it was acquired by Ferdinand III de Médicis, Grand Duke of Tuscany, around 1700. The work follows his movements and takes place in the Pitti Palace where it still stands today.

The composition is strictly similar to the moose, just like the format of the canvas (the original is a panel made in 1505) and the frame which embellishes it is a formidable model of the 19th century, incorporating all the canons and the quality of 15th and 16th century frames. The whole becomes a real piece of goldsmith's work.