Unknown, Portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1800s, Paper

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A finely executed 19th-century lithographic portrait, presented in three-quarter profile. Hand signed in ink by Garibaldi. The work displays the … Read more A finely executed 19th-century lithographic portrait, presented in three-quarter profile. Hand signed in ink by Garibaldi. The work displays the delicate tonal transitions and meticulous draftsmanship characteristic of high-quality lithographic portraiture of the period. The sitter—depicted according to the title—appears wrapped in a patterned shawl and layered garments, rendered with exceptional attention to fabric texture, drapery, and facial expression. The background features subtle ornamental corner flourishes, common in presentation prints of the mid-1800s, contributing to the refined and formal character of the composition. The lithograph demonstrates a strong sense of volume and presence, with a masterful interplay of light and shadow emphasizing the figure’s profile, beard, and hands holding a cap. This example is preserved with its original wide margins and shows expected signs of age, including scattered foxing, surface toning, and edge wear consistent with 19th-century paper. The image remains rich and well-defined, retaining the delicacy of its linework and tonal contrasts. A distinguished and historically resonant lithographic portrait, exemplary of Italian patriotic iconography of the period and highly desirable for collectors of Risorgimento-era prints. See less