Artwork
Portrait of a Friar
Portrait of a Friar is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Carlo Ceresa. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Accademia Carrara.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Friar is a 17th-century oil painting by Carlo Ceresa, an artist known for his realistic depictions of clergy and nobility.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a friar seated in a red chair, holding a piece of paper and a rosary, with a crucifix and writing implements nearby, conveying a sense of contemplation and devotion.
Technique & Style
Ceresa's use of oil paint and a dark background creates a somber, focused atmosphere, characteristic of his austere and realist style.
History & Provenance
Created around 1650, the painting is part of the Accademia Carrara's collection, reflecting Ceresa's activity during the early Baroque period in Bergamo.
Artist & collection
Artist
Carlo Ceresa (January 20, 1609 – January 29, 1679) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period active mainly around Bergamo.
