(Pomarance 1552–1626 Rome)
Portrait of Cardinal Antonio Maria Gallo,
inscribed in a cartouche: ANT.MAR.EPS.OST./S.R.E.CARD.GALLUS./SACR.COLL.DECANUS./AN.AET.SUE.LXIII,
oil on canvas, 73 x 56 cm, framed

Provenance:
Collection Cristoforo Roncalli, Rome 3rd July 1626 (as “ritratto del Cardinal Gallo”)

Literature:
I. Chiappini di Sorio, Cristoforo Roncalli detto il Pomarancio, Bergamo 1983, p 23; M. G. Aurigemma, Documenti per Cristoforo Roncalli, in: Paragone, 593, 1995, p 77- 86

In the artist’s inventories, the present painting commemorates his generous patron in the following manner: “ritratto del Cardinal Gallo et del Card. l Crescenzio / In camera dove dormiva” [“Portrait of Cardinal Gallo and of Cardinal Crescenzio / In the room where he slept”]. The oil painting portrays Cardinal Antonio Maria Gallo (Osimo 1553–1620 Rome), an advocate of the Counterreformation in the Marches. In his rapid career he enjoyed the favour of Pope Sixtus V., (Pope since 1585) having belonged to the latter's entourage already in his youth. In 1585 he became private treasurer, 1586 Bishop of Perugia, 1687 Cardinal and protector of the sanctuary of Loreto and later Bishop of Osimo. This painting represents the to date unpublished version by Pomarancio that was mentioned in sources and considered lost. The cardinal is shown at the age of 53, as mentioned in the cartouche, suggesting the present painting dates to 1616. Another autograph version of 1616 depicts a full-length portrait instead of a bust, and is currently in the collection of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Loreto.