Italian school (XVIII) - Ritratto di Marco Aurelio Balbis...

“Portrait of Marco Aurelio Balbis Bertone (Italian bishop)” 18th-century painting Oil on canvas - 1770/1780 Dimensions: 75 x 64 cm with frame Canvas: 68 x 56 cm Description of the work The painting depicts Marco Aurelio Balbis Bertone, an important Italian Catholic bishop who lived in the 18th century. Details of the Portrait • Subject: Marco Aurelio Balbis Bertone (Chieri, June 2, 1725 – Novara, May 17, 1789). He was named Bishop of Novara in 1757, a position he held until his death. • Iconography: The work portrays the prelate in episcopal clerical attire (the dark mozzetta outlined in red over the embroidered rochet), while he holds a sacred book in one hand and wears the pastoral cross around his neck. This oil painting on canvas represents a precious testimony of 18th-century Piedmontese ecclesiastical portraiture. Condition report: • Liftings and losses of color: Noticeable gaps and color losses are present, concentrated along the lower band of the painting, particularly along the edge of the embroidered sleeve and the red cloak. In these areas the underlying ground or the canvas itself is exposed. Slight creases in the lower right corner. • Surface abrasion: Scratches, small abrasions, and microscopic color losses are visible, especially on the dark background on the right and near the hand that holds the book. • Varnish alteration: The protective surface varnish appears heavily oxidized, yellowed, and matte. This altered layer affects the correct reading of the original tonal contrasts and light/shadow. The frame is provided free of charge with the work and should therefore be considered an accessory element, not included in the economic valuation of the painting. Given the natural fragility of antique gilded frames, any damage, detachment, breaks, or losses of parts of the frame that occur during transport or shipping cannot be the subject of refunds, compensation, or dispute relating to the value of the work. The packaging will nevertheless be prepared with utmost care to ensure, as far as possible, a safe transport. Insured shipping Attribution Expertise *** For historical interest reasons the work cannot be shipped outside the European community / insured shipping

Estimate:£676.92

View all items fromCatawikiorArts & Graphics