Artwork

Portrait of Arrigo Licinio and His Family

Portrait of Arrigo Licinio and His Family, by Bernardino Licinio, oil, 1550
Portrait of Arrigo Licinio and His Family, by Bernardino Licinio, oil, 1550

Portrait of Arrigo Licinio and His Family is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Bernardino Licinio. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Galleria Borghese.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of Arrigo Licinio and His Family is a canvas painting created by Bernardino Licinio around 1550. It is a family group portrait characteristic of the artist's work, which often featured detailed depictions of individuals and groups.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a family of nine, with the mother seated centrally, holding a baby and a basket of flowers, while the father stands behind her. The surrounding children are dressed in various colors, creating a vivid scene of family life.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the work showcases Licinio's skill in capturing intricate details, such as the folds in clothing and subtle facial expressions. The plain brown background serves to emphasize the figures, exemplifying the artist's use of composition to draw the viewer's attention.

History & Provenance

Bernardino Licinio, active in Venice and Lombardy, was born around 1489 and died in 1565. The painting is now held in the Galleria Borghese, a testament to its enduring significance.

Context

As a work from the Mannerist movement, the Portrait of Arrigo Licinio and His Family reflects the artistic trends of its time, characterized by detailed and often unconventional representations of subjects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Bernardino Licinio

Artist

Bernardino Licinio

Bernardino Licinio (c. 1489 in Poscante – 1565) was an Italian High Renaissance painter of Venice and Lombardy. He mainly painted portraits and religious canvases.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Galleria Borghese open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.