Portrait of a gentleman in black attire, oil on canvas, 117 x 92 cm, unframed

Depicted is the figure of an elderly, yet powerful gentleman with a dignified and trustworthy expression. His hair is sparse, his beard well-kempt and carefully groomed into shape, so that it projects elegantly from above his starched white collar. His black outer garment (a colour which was characteristically worn by persons of the aristocracy, as well as various professionals and retailers), emphasises his dignified, elegant appearance. One of his hands, which is carefully executed with an accent on the veins on the back of his hand, lies relaxed on his belt, whilst in his other hand he holds a small book. The realistic depiction draws the viewer’s attention towards the human aspects of this person and permits one to read the character of the sitter in every one of his facial features. His searching gaze, directed at the viewer, is underlined brilliantly by the artist. Who, however, was this master? We are sure that he originates from Lombardy from an era with passionate ideals now permeated by the unrest that would soon become bitter reality.

We are grateful to Prof Filippo Maria Ferro for assistance with cataloguing this work.