Artwork

Portrait of Stanisław August Poniatowski

Portrait of Stanisław August Poniatowski, by Marcello Bacciarelli, oil, 1796
Portrait of Stanisław August Poniatowski, by Marcello Bacciarelli, oil, 1796

Portrait of Stanisław August Poniatowski is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Marcello Bacciarelli. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1796, *Portrait of Stanisław August Poniatowski* is an oil painting by Marcello Bacciarelli, an Italian artist prominent in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The work is characterized by its rococo style and is part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last King of Poland, in a solemn demeanor. His attire, including a dark jacket, blue sash, white ruffled collar, and brooch, signifies his stature. The serious expression and direct gaze convey authority.

Technique & Style

Bacciarelli employed chiaroscuro to achieve strong contrasts between light and dark, accentuating the subject against a somber background. This technique, coupled with the overall composition, aligns with the expressive and decorative elements of the rococo movement.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1796, during Poniatowski's reign, the portrait's creation coincides with the final years of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It is now preserved in the National Museum in Warsaw, testifying to the artistic and historical ties between Bacciarelli and Poland.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marcello Bacciarelli

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.