After Carlo Ceresa, Portrait of Notable Giacomo Pesenti, 1660, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Details

Description

Carlo Ceresa (San Giovanni Bianco 1609 – Bergamo 1679) attributed
Full-length portrait of Giacomo Pesenti
Oil on canvas (206 x … Read more Carlo Ceresa (San Giovanni Bianco 1609 – Bergamo 1679) attributed
Full-length portrait of Giacomo Pesenti
Oil on canvas (206 x 121 cm - framed 212 x 133 cm)

This fascinating full-length portrait of a gentleman, dating to the 17th century, illustrates the stylistic and compositional details typical of Lombard painting, particularly that of Bergamo. This reference is reflected in elements such as the natural light, the sober and austere setting, and above all, the subtle psychological characterization of the face.

We are inclined to identify the hand of the portraitist Carlo Ceresa, one of the most illustrious Bergamo figure painters of the 17th century, capable of developing a style of intense realism and acute psychological investigation. His works, and our portrait perfectly reflects these canons, are evident in their extraordinary naturalistic imprint, great realism, and remarkable
essentiality.

The traits of severity, moral rigor, and austerity typical of his portraiture find a perfect balance here: never grandiose or rhetorical, his portraits are profoundly linked to the concept of the Counter-Reformation. Immortalizing the leading figures of the moment, he established himself as a point of reference for the Bergamo aristocracy, from the Vertovas to the Pesentis to the Secco Suardos.

The sitter in the portrait is Giacomo Pesenti, immortalized here in life-size, wearing a rigorous black suit, his left hand resting on a table, on which are placed writing utensils and a manuscript, and his right hand, with a seal ring on his pinky, resting at his side while holding his gloves.

He wears an incredibly rigorous outfit, dressed as befits a man of his high social standing, while the sharp light focuses on his face, with an intensity that seems accentuated by the reflection of the white collar, with its clean-cut profile.

For Ceresa, it is not the richness of the dress that gives value to the sitter; it is necessary to convey feeling and bring out the character of the person, and he succeeds marvelously in this, aided by his ability to capture the ess
The painting is in good condition, with some age-related losses to the canvas and frame that do not alter the ence of the person and convey it to us in painting through the face and the light used as a powerful expressive element.

The image, in fact, highlights the "Counter-Reformation" composure typical of the portraiture of painters active in this area and period, adhering to a realism that includes austerity of intent and character, which results in portraits, like the one here, of great impact and character.

The gentleman, with his long silver hair and a slight mustache, is portrayed with a penetrating gaze fixed on the viewer, his energetic and charismatic appearance befitting members of the most influential Bergamo families who achieved power and wealth through the textile trade and financial dealings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
interpretation of the work.

The work is sold complete with a wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic . This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less