Artwork

Bildnis eines Malers

Bildnis eines Malers, by Francesco Capella, oil, 1757
Bildnis eines Malers, by Francesco Capella, oil, 1757

Bildnis eines Malers is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Francesco Capella. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Bildnis eines Malers is an oil painting created in 1757 by Francesco Capella, a Venetian artist associated with the Rococo period. The work is housed in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a man, identified by his attire and pose as a painter, gazing directly at the viewer while holding a paintbrush. His slightly averted face and engaged stare suggest a sense of introspective professionalism.

Technique & Style

Capella employed chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing strong contrasts between light and dark, to make the subject stand out against a subdued, dark background. This approach, characteristic of the Rococo and Baroque traditions, adds depth and immediacy to the portrait.

History & Provenance

Created in 1757, the painting's early history is not detailed in available sources, but it is currently part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, indicating its recognition as a significant work of the period.

Context

While Capella is known for religious and historical themes, often for clients in Bergamo and the state, *Bildnis eines Malers* represents a departure into portraiture, possibly reflecting the Rococo's inclination towards more intimate, personal subjects.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is intertwined with its preservation in a major museum collection, contributing to the understanding of Rococo portraiture and Capella's versatile output beyond his more common thematic areas.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francesco Capella

Artist

Francesco Capella

Francesco Capella (1714–1784), called Il Capella and Francesco Dagiu, was a student of Giovanni Battista Piazzetta.

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