Artwork

Portrait of Walenty Sobolewski (1724–1800) or Maciej Leon Sobolewski (1724–1804)

Portrait of Walenty Sobolewski (1724–1800) or Maciej Leon Sobolewski (1724–1804) is an oil painting by Marcello Bacciarelli. It dates from 1781 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

About this work

Overview

This portrait, created around 1781 by Marcello Bacciarelli, is an oil painting depicting either Walenty Sobolewski or Maciej Leon Sobolewski, both members of the Sobolewski family. It is part of the National Museum in Kraków's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, seated at a table with a book, wears attire indicating distinction: a brown jacket, green shirt, blue vest, red sash, and a medal. These elements suggest the portrayed individual held a position of importance.

Technique & Style

Bacciarelli's work blends late-baroque elements with emerging Neoclassical styles, characteristic of 18th-century European portraiture. The composition features a dark background with a red curtain, contrasting with the subject's detailed, colorful attire.

History & Provenance

Painted circa 1781, the portrait is attributed to Marcello Bacciarelli, an Italian artist prominent in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It is now held in the National Museum in Kraków.

Context

Created during Bacciarelli's time in Poland, the portrait reflects the artistic transition from late-baroque to Neoclassicism in 18th-century Europe, influenced by the artist's Italian background and Polish clientele.

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.