Who painted Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818)?

Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818) was painted by Marcello Bacciarelli in 1781.

Where can I see Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818)?

Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818) is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818)

Marcello Bacciarelli , 1781

Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli (1731–1818) is an oil painting by Marcello Bacciarelli. It dates from 1781 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

This self-portrait, painted around 1781 in oil, depicts Marcello Bacciarelli, an Italian artist prominent in the late Baroque and Neoclassic periods, particularly in Poland and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The work is now part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Marcello Bacciarelli himself, portrayed with a serious expression against a somber, dark background. His attire includes a black coat, white lace collar, and a distinctive red hat, conveying a sense of understated professionalism.

Technique & Style

The painting utilizes chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to accentuate the subject's face. Soft shadows create a smooth, nearly three-dimensional appearance of the skin, while the dark backdrop enhances the overall visibility of the figure.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1781, the portrait remained in the artist's possession until its eventual acquisition by the National Museum in Warsaw, where it is currently housed.

Context

Reflecting the artistic transition of its time, the portrait blends late Baroque's dramatic lighting with the emerging Neoclassic's simplicity and clarity, characteristic of Bacciarelli's work in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Legacy

As a self-portrait by a significant figure in 18th-century Polish art, it provides insight into the artist's self-image and the aesthetic preferences of his era, contributing to the museum's collection of European late Baroque and Neoclassic art.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Marcello Bacciarelli

Marcello Bacciarelli (Italian pronunciation: ; 16 February 1731 – 5 January 1818) was an Italian-born painter of the late-baroque and Neoclassic periods active in Poland and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.