Artwork
Beschriftete Leinwand zu Inv.Nr. 14910
Beschriftete Leinwand zu Inv.Nr. 14910 is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Martin Knoller. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1764, this oil painting by Martin Knoller portrays a seated gentleman dressed in a red coat and white wig. He holds a book in his left hand while his right hand rests on his hip, set against a dark backdrop that accentuates the lighter tones of his attire. The work exemplifies the decorative elegance characteristic of the Rococo period.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, rendered with a thoughtful expression, appears engaged in scholarly activity, suggested by the open book. The composition emphasizes status and intellect, typical of portraiture intended to convey the subject’s education and social standing.
Technique & Style
Knoller employs a realistic approach, carefully modeling facial features and fabric folds through subtle gradations of light and shadow. The contrast between the dark background and the illuminated clothing creates depth, while the delicate brushwork reflects the lighter, ornamental sensibility of Rococo aesthetics.
History & Provenance
An Austrian‑Italian artist active in Italy, Knoller was known for both frescoes and easel paintings. This portrait entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains displayed. The painter’s principal patron, Karl Joseph von Firmian, Imperial Governor of Lombardy, commissioned many of his works for the Palazzo Firmian‑Vigoni.
Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Knoller (18 November 1725 – 24 July 1804) was an Austrian-Italian painter active in Italy who is remembered for his fresco work.
