Italian school (XVIII) - Uomo di Lettere






Specialised in 17th century Old Master paintings and drawings with auction house experience.
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Uomo di Lettere, an 18th‑century Italian oil portrait, unsigned and requiring restoration, measuring 110 × 84 cm with frame and sold with its frame.
Description from the seller
Elegant antique portrait depicting an ecclesiastic or man of letters, captured in an indoor setting. The man, in a dark suit and white clerical collar, is portrayed facing the viewer while he holds a small sheet of writing with one hand and a large Holy Bible in the vernacular with the other (the “Biblia Sacra Vulgare” clearly legible on the spine).
Beside the figure, decorative elements typical of 18th-century portraiture stand out:
Dark drapes creating scenographic depth
A vase of flowers against a shadowed background
A round table with a marbleized surface
Rich attention to the hands, the face, and the expression, yielding an intimate and dignified portrait
The brushwork is fine and dense, with a beautiful, uniform craquelure across the entire surface, typical of the period. The painting is mounted on its original wooden frame, as visible from the back.
Golden wooden frame with simple decoration coherent with the period. It shows signs of wear and small losses in the gilding, which confirm its authenticity.
Measurements (including frame): 110 × 84 cm
Canvas measurements: 102 × 77 cm
Technique: Oil on canvas
Era: 18th century (likely second half)
Code: RTVB1834
Keys or accessories are not included, unless otherwise indicated in the photo and description.
In good overall condition, bearing witness to the passage of time with signs of wear that, however, do not compromise the beauty, form, and integrity of these unique pieces.
Please note that, being antique/vintage items, they may present slight damage or signs of their long journey through the years. We believe these imperfections add authentic character and a special charm to each piece.
Delivery does not include porterage; if you want shipment to a floor level you must
notify promptly after purchase, and international shipping is not feasible.
To ensure a full view of the items, we invite you to carefully examine the photos provided, as they are an integral part of the item description. This way, you can fully appreciate their authenticity and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Seller's Story
Elegant antique portrait depicting an ecclesiastic or man of letters, captured in an indoor setting. The man, in a dark suit and white clerical collar, is portrayed facing the viewer while he holds a small sheet of writing with one hand and a large Holy Bible in the vernacular with the other (the “Biblia Sacra Vulgare” clearly legible on the spine).
Beside the figure, decorative elements typical of 18th-century portraiture stand out:
Dark drapes creating scenographic depth
A vase of flowers against a shadowed background
A round table with a marbleized surface
Rich attention to the hands, the face, and the expression, yielding an intimate and dignified portrait
The brushwork is fine and dense, with a beautiful, uniform craquelure across the entire surface, typical of the period. The painting is mounted on its original wooden frame, as visible from the back.
Golden wooden frame with simple decoration coherent with the period. It shows signs of wear and small losses in the gilding, which confirm its authenticity.
Measurements (including frame): 110 × 84 cm
Canvas measurements: 102 × 77 cm
Technique: Oil on canvas
Era: 18th century (likely second half)
Code: RTVB1834
Keys or accessories are not included, unless otherwise indicated in the photo and description.
In good overall condition, bearing witness to the passage of time with signs of wear that, however, do not compromise the beauty, form, and integrity of these unique pieces.
Please note that, being antique/vintage items, they may present slight damage or signs of their long journey through the years. We believe these imperfections add authentic character and a special charm to each piece.
Delivery does not include porterage; if you want shipment to a floor level you must
notify promptly after purchase, and international shipping is not feasible.
To ensure a full view of the items, we invite you to carefully examine the photos provided, as they are an integral part of the item description. This way, you can fully appreciate their authenticity and avoid unpleasant surprises.
