Giuseppe Molteni (Affori, Milan 1800–1867)
Giuseppe Molteni (Attributed)
(Affori, Milan 1800–Milan 1867)
The young sitter is shown half-length, elegantly dressed and set against a dark background, her refined costume finished with a delicate jewelled hairpin. Italy, circa 1830–40
Oil on canvas | 61cm × 49cm
A finely observed portrait of a young woman, shown halflength against a restrained dark background. Her pale dress and rich aubergine bodice are set against the simplicity of the setting, while the elaborate arrangement of her hair, jewelled hairpin and single red earring provide delicate points of detail.
The painting is characteristic of the refined portraiture fashionable in Lombardy during the second quarter of the nineteenth century, combining careful observation with an elegant, highly finished handling.
Giuseppe Molteni was one of the most successful portrait painters working in Milan during the first half of the nineteenth century. Trained at the Brera Academy, he also became an important picture restorer and adviser to major collections in Italy and abroad.
From the late 1820s, his portraits became particularly admired for their meticulous treatment of costume, texture and fashionable detail, bringing him into direct competition with Francesco Hayez. In 1837 he worked at the Viennese court, where his exposure to Biedermeier portraiture further informed his style. He was appointed curator of the Pinacoteca di Brera in 1854, by which point he had largely ceased painting.
(Affori, Milan 1800–Milan 1867)
The young sitter is shown half-length, elegantly dressed and set against a dark background, her refined costume finished with a delicate jewelled hairpin. Italy, circa 1830–40
Oil on canvas | 61cm × 49cm
A finely observed portrait of a young woman, shown halflength against a restrained dark background. Her pale dress and rich aubergine bodice are set against the simplicity of the setting, while the elaborate arrangement of her hair, jewelled hairpin and single red earring provide delicate points of detail.
The painting is characteristic of the refined portraiture fashionable in Lombardy during the second quarter of the nineteenth century, combining careful observation with an elegant, highly finished handling.
Giuseppe Molteni was one of the most successful portrait painters working in Milan during the first half of the nineteenth century. Trained at the Brera Academy, he also became an important picture restorer and adviser to major collections in Italy and abroad.
From the late 1820s, his portraits became particularly admired for their meticulous treatment of costume, texture and fashionable detail, bringing him into direct competition with Francesco Hayez. In 1837 he worked at the Viennese court, where his exposure to Biedermeier portraiture further informed his style. He was appointed curator of the Pinacoteca di Brera in 1854, by which point he had largely ceased painting.
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