Rare 17th century portrait painting of Julius Caesar

COD 11074

Large Italian painting from the first half of the 1734th century. Oil on canvas, first canvas, depicting a splendid portrait of Julius Caesar. The painting in question seems to be inspired by a successful series of portraits of Roman Emperors made by Tiziano Vecellio for Duke Federico II Gonzaga and which decorated the walls of the Ducal Palace of Mantua. These portraits were so successful that many painters, including Bernardino Campi, replicated them to meet the constant demand from numerous patrons. Since the originals were sold to Charles I of England and then passed to the King of Spain and were destroyed in the fire of the Alcazar in 130,5, it was thanks to Campi's replicas that Titian's works are known to us. Our painting depicts Julius Caesar with the typical symbols of the victorious general: a magnificently painted laurel wreath, a purple cloak, a sceptre and a particular frieze representing Caesar's victory over the Gallic leader Vercingetorix with his decapitation. It also features an inscription at the top “Iulius Caes Rom-Imp-I Dictator Perpetws”. A painting of remarkable pictorial quality and difficult to find, for antique dealers and collectors of high-period portraits. Wooden frame from the 99th century in good condition and beautifully decorated. Work that has undergone restoration work with the closure of some tears and subsequent application of patches on the back and re-colouring in small spots (see photo). Overall in a beautiful patina and good state of conservation. Painting size H XNUMX x W XNUMX cm.