Artwork

Self-portrait of Bacciarelli in a redingote

Self-portrait of Bacciarelli in a redingote, by Marcello Bacciarelli, oil, 1781
Self-portrait of Bacciarelli in a redingote, by Marcello Bacciarelli, oil, 1781

Self-portrait of Bacciarelli in a redingote is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Marcello Bacciarelli. It dates from 1781 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Self-portrait of Bacciarelli in a redingote is an oil painting created circa 1781 by Marcello Bacciarelli, an Italian painter prominent in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth during the late Baroque and Neoclassic periods.

Subject & Meaning

The painting is a self-portrait of the artist, depicted in a straightforward and serious manner, wearing a dark redingote and white cravat, with graying, curly hair. The simple composition focuses attention on the subject's face.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work utilizes strong chiaroscuro, with a plain black background creating a dramatic contrast that highlights the artist's face. The overall style aligns with the Rococo movement, though the pose's simplicity hints at emerging Neoclassic influences.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection, reflecting Bacciarelli's significant presence in Polish artistic history.

Context

Created during a transitional period between Baroque and Neoclassicism, the painting reflects Bacciarelli's adaptation to the evolving artistic tastes of his adopted region.

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.