Who painted Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs?

Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs was painted by Giuseppe Maria Crespi in 1712.

Where can I see Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs?

Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs?

Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs

Giuseppe Maria Crespi , 1712

Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs is an ink print by the Baroque artist Giuseppe Maria Crespi. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs is an etching on laid paper created by Giuseppe Maria Crespi (Lo Spagnuolo) around 1712. This work exemplifies Crespi's contribution to the late Baroque period, particularly through his genre scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a figure, identified in context as Bertoldino, in a state of exaggerated frustration. The scene, set in a domestic workspace or kitchen, shows Bertoldino leaning over a windowsill, armed with a pan and spoon, presumably reacting to the incessant croaking of frogs, hinted at by the accompanying Italian text.

Technique & Style

Crespi employed fine lines to achieve detailed shadows and textures, imparting a lively, sketch-like quality to the etching. This technique underscores the artist's ability to convey dynamic emotion through precise, expressive linework.

History & Provenance

Originally created in 1712, the etching is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C., reflecting its recognized value within Crespi's oeuvre and the broader late Baroque genre scene tradition.

Context

While Crespi was versatile, producing religious and portrait paintings, *Bertoldino Enraged by the Croaking Frogs* represents his later, more renowned focus on genre scenes, which often captured everyday life with a touch of humor.

Legacy

This etching contributes to Crespi's legacy as a leading Baroque artist, particularly in the Bolognese School, highlighting his capacity to blend the mundane with the humorous in his genre works.

Artist & collection

Artist

Giuseppe Maria Crespi

Giuseppe Maria Crespi (14 March 1665 – 16 July 1747), nicknamed Lo Spagnuolo ('The Spaniard'), was an Italian late Baroque painter of the Bolognese School.