Italian school (XVII) - Ritratto Maschile, Bernardino Gariglietti

Description

"Ritratto Maschile, Bernardino Gariglietti", oil on canvas, 77*59cm, Italian school, datable to the mid-17th century.

The work presents itself as a male portrait in half-length, where the subject emerges with authority from a dark and neutral background, typical of Baroque portraiture that favored a focus on the human and psychological aspects. The man wears the austere attire fashionable in the mid-17th century, characterized by a dark coat, highlighted by a white collar that serves as a chromatic contrast and guides the eye toward the face. The identity of the depicted individual is known thanks to the cartouche held in the man's hand, which bears the inscription 'Sig. Medico Bernardino Gariglietti,' giving the painting a function not only aesthetic but also documentary.

Condition Report

Good overall condition, scattered signs of old conservative restorations.

Tracked and insured shipment with adequate packaging.

From a stylistic perspective, the canvas shows belonging to the Italian School of the 17th century, highlighting a confident and substantial brushwork capable of building volumes through a skillful use of naturalistic chiaroscuro. The chromatic play is essential, almost entirely based on the range of earth tones and blacks, brightened by touches of white in the collar and warm shades of the flesh tones; the light, coming from the side, investigates the facial features without indulgence, returning a serious and dignified expression. This compositional choice places the work within the baroque tradition of 'from life' portraiture.