Artwork
Raphaello's Mistress
Raphaello's Mistress is a print by Raphael Morghen. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Raphaello's Mistress is a print by Raffaello Morghen, reproducing Raphael's La Fornarina. The work depicts a woman believed to be Raphael's mistress, rendered in a posthumous engraving on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, identified by a Latin inscription as Raphaelis amicitia celeberrima la Fornarina, is portrayed with understated elegance: dark hair, a simple yet adorned dress, a fur shawl, and a wreath. Her calm demeanor and gentle pose convey a sense of quiet intimacy rather than dramatic narrative.
Technique & Style
The print features soft shading, particularly on the subject's face and neck, which imparts a three-dimensional quality. The overall execution suggests a polished, portrait-like approach.
History & Provenance
As a posthumous work, Raphaello's Mistress was created after Raphael's original composition. Specific details on its creation date, circulation, or original ownership are not provided.
Context
This print can be contextualized within the broader practice of reproducing famous paintings as engravings, making artworks more accessible. Similar examples can be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Legacy
The legacy of Raphaello's Mistress lies in its role as a reproduction of La Fornarina, contributing to the dissemination of Raphael's work. Its impact as an individual piece is not distinctly outlined beyond this reproductive function.
Artist & collection
