Portrait of a boy, Lombard school, 17th century

Lombard school, 17th century
Portrait of a boy with an apple

oil painting on canvas
109 x 78 cm – 127 x 97 cm. with frame

Full details of the painting (click HERE)

The protagonist of the canvas offered is a chubby boy, approximately five years old, a young member of an aristocratic family of the 17th century: he wears sumptuous but sober clothes, consisting of a large short bell-shaped cape with gold trim and buttons, which covers the dress in shades of red.

The analysis of the details of the beautiful portrait, and in particular of the stylistic typology with which the features were outlined, leads us back to the great tradition of the Lombard school of the seventeenth century, although there are also influences, in the details of the dress, of Spanish fashion: a more than plausible aspect given that in that historical period Spain dominated Europe not only in the political sphere but also in terms of fashion and customs (and above all in Lombardy, under Spanish domination).

The golden detail of the buttons and the red of the dress, a colour repeated in the stockings and in the bow that closes the shoes, stand out against the almost monochrome of the essential setting in which he is portrayed.

Interesting is the apple held in the hand and which traditionally – a reference to the apple of Venus – was included in portraits as a symbol of good luck, alluding to a future marriage; in wealthy families it was in fact customary to organize unions between descendants of the lineages at a young age to mutually strengthen their power.

Perhaps the painting was therefore intended to be a promise of marriage, commissioned as a presentation card by a little man to be presented to the future bride's family. In addition to the apples, he holds a hat under his arm, as if to emphasize his future as a member of high society in all respects.

Although it presents those features of rigor and austerity typical of the portraiture of this period, they are mitigated by the candid expression of the face, which scrutinizes the observer with a typically childlike sweetness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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