Who painted Carlo Maratta?

Carlo Maratta was painted by Carlo Lasinio in 1789.

Where can I see Carlo Maratta?

Carlo Maratta is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Carlo Maratta?

Carlo Maratta is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Carlo Maratta

Carlo Lasinio , 1789

Carlo Maratta is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Carlo Lasinio. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1789, this colour mezzotint was produced by the Italian printmaker Carlo Lasinio. The work presents a close‑up portrait of a man with reddish, tightly curled hair, set against a dark, unadorned background that concentrates the viewer’s attention on his face.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown with a solemn expression, dressed in a dark coat over a light‑coloured shirt, his right hand resting on a folded piece of cloth or paper. The inscription "Carlo Maratta" appears at the bottom, suggesting the portrait may represent the 17th‑century painter Carlo Maratta, though the identification remains uncertain.

Technique & Style

Lasinio employed the mezzotint process, a method that allows for subtle gradations of tone through the manipulation of light and shadow. The print demonstrates a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, using deep blacks and delicate highlights to model the facial features and give the portrait a three‑dimensional presence.

History & Provenance

The mezzotint was executed during the late 18th century, a period when reproductions of notable artists were popular among collectors. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work reflects Lasinio’s broader engagement with portraiture and his role in disseminating images of prominent cultural figures.