Gianbattista Bertelli (1922-2001) - Ritratto di Agnese






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Pastel portrait Ritratto di Agnese by Gianbattista Bertelli (1922–2001), dated 1952, on paper and framed, 94 × 78.5 cm with frame, signed, original edition, Italy, sold by Galleria, in good condition.
Description from the seller
Gianbattista Bertelli (Brescia, January 31, 1922 – Brescia, September 16, 2001)
“Portrait of Agnese”
from 1952
Pastel on paper
Sheet/page dimensions: 74 × 57.5 cm
Framed dimensions: 94 × 78.5 cm
* Artwork exceptionally presented without reserve price
Signature: monogram signature “GB” at the bottom left
Inscription on the back: “G.B. Bertelli” and “1952”
Frame: gilded and moulded wooden frame, with phyllomorphic ornamental applications at the corners, presumably contemporary or otherwise pertaining to the historical presentation of the work.
Description of the work
The pastel depicts a young woman in three-quarter view, identified by the inscription and the documentation of the work as Agnese, with her face turned toward the observer.
The figure emerges from a blue-green, softly gradated background devoid of environmental elements, conceived to concentrate attention entirely on the portrait. The young woman wears a drapery in mauve and purple tones, opened at the neck on a lighter area of the dress.
The face clearly constitutes the center of the composition. Bertelli builds the flesh tones through soft and gradual color passages, avoiding overly sharp outlines. Particular attention is given to the eyes, the shape of the mouth, and the rendering of the wavy hair, in which browns, blacks, and reddish reflections contribute to modeling the volumes.
CONDITION REPORT
Conservation status
The work presents, upon visual examination, in good overall conservation condition, compatible with the technique, age, and natural evolution of the materials.
The pictorial surface appears largely intact and maintains good legibility of the image. The pastel material retains its softness and the characteristic tonal modulation, particularly evident in the flesh tones, the hair, and the drapery. No significant gaps, extensive abrasions, or losses are detected that would compromise the reading of the work.
There are slight superficial inhomogeneities and physiological alterations due to time, as well as small marks and minute local imperfections. These elements are consistent with the delicate nature of pastel and with a work dating from 1952.
The paper support appears visually stable within the current mounting. From the back photographs, no macroscopic deformations or structural damage of particular severity are evident. Normal signs of aging, handling, and previous mounting operations are present. The rear perimeter is protected and fixed with previously applied adhesive paper material.
The handwritten inscriptions on the back, “G.B. Bertelli” and “1952,” remain clearly legible.
*** Photographic note
Some photographs of the work were taken using professional studio lighting and spotlights to allow better legibility of the composition, details, and pictorial matter. Such lighting may cause slight variations in color perception and brightness compared to viewing the work directly. The photographs are for illustrative and documentary purposes only.
The frame is provided free of charge with the work and should therefore be considered an accessory element, not included in the economic valuation of the painting. Due to the natural fragility of old gilded frames, any damage, detachments, breaks, or losses of parts of the frame that occur during transport or shipment cannot be the subject of reimbursement, indemnity, or dispute regarding the value of the work. Packaging will nevertheless be prepared with the utmost care to ensure, as far as possible, safe transport.
Insured shipment
Attributive Expertise
*** For historical interest reasons the work cannot be shipped outside the European community / insured shipment in a wooden crate
Seller's Story
Gianbattista Bertelli (Brescia, January 31, 1922 – Brescia, September 16, 2001)
“Portrait of Agnese”
from 1952
Pastel on paper
Sheet/page dimensions: 74 × 57.5 cm
Framed dimensions: 94 × 78.5 cm
* Artwork exceptionally presented without reserve price
Signature: monogram signature “GB” at the bottom left
Inscription on the back: “G.B. Bertelli” and “1952”
Frame: gilded and moulded wooden frame, with phyllomorphic ornamental applications at the corners, presumably contemporary or otherwise pertaining to the historical presentation of the work.
Description of the work
The pastel depicts a young woman in three-quarter view, identified by the inscription and the documentation of the work as Agnese, with her face turned toward the observer.
The figure emerges from a blue-green, softly gradated background devoid of environmental elements, conceived to concentrate attention entirely on the portrait. The young woman wears a drapery in mauve and purple tones, opened at the neck on a lighter area of the dress.
The face clearly constitutes the center of the composition. Bertelli builds the flesh tones through soft and gradual color passages, avoiding overly sharp outlines. Particular attention is given to the eyes, the shape of the mouth, and the rendering of the wavy hair, in which browns, blacks, and reddish reflections contribute to modeling the volumes.
CONDITION REPORT
Conservation status
The work presents, upon visual examination, in good overall conservation condition, compatible with the technique, age, and natural evolution of the materials.
The pictorial surface appears largely intact and maintains good legibility of the image. The pastel material retains its softness and the characteristic tonal modulation, particularly evident in the flesh tones, the hair, and the drapery. No significant gaps, extensive abrasions, or losses are detected that would compromise the reading of the work.
There are slight superficial inhomogeneities and physiological alterations due to time, as well as small marks and minute local imperfections. These elements are consistent with the delicate nature of pastel and with a work dating from 1952.
The paper support appears visually stable within the current mounting. From the back photographs, no macroscopic deformations or structural damage of particular severity are evident. Normal signs of aging, handling, and previous mounting operations are present. The rear perimeter is protected and fixed with previously applied adhesive paper material.
The handwritten inscriptions on the back, “G.B. Bertelli” and “1952,” remain clearly legible.
*** Photographic note
Some photographs of the work were taken using professional studio lighting and spotlights to allow better legibility of the composition, details, and pictorial matter. Such lighting may cause slight variations in color perception and brightness compared to viewing the work directly. The photographs are for illustrative and documentary purposes only.
The frame is provided free of charge with the work and should therefore be considered an accessory element, not included in the economic valuation of the painting. Due to the natural fragility of old gilded frames, any damage, detachments, breaks, or losses of parts of the frame that occur during transport or shipment cannot be the subject of reimbursement, indemnity, or dispute regarding the value of the work. Packaging will nevertheless be prepared with the utmost care to ensure, as far as possible, safe transport.
Insured shipment
Attributive Expertise
*** For historical interest reasons the work cannot be shipped outside the European community / insured shipment in a wooden crate
