Description
Italian school; c. 1790. "Portrait of the family of the gentleman Bonnito". Oil on canvas. Presents restorations. Measurements: 100 x 76 cm; 116 x 94 cm (frame). The disposition of the characters in this painting is the usual one in the Italian portraits of the time, arranging the members of the family in the foreground, with their eyes fixed on the spectator. In fact, in a certain way it is possible to appreciate a reference to the religious representations of the Holy Family, with the Child on the Virgin's lap in the foreground and the figure of St. Joseph in the background observing the main scene. This portrait is completed by the presence of two young girls, although we do not see the face of one of them, and a small cat to whom the little boy directs his gaze, in a gesture of innocence and spontaneity that reveals the artist's interest in capturing the personality of the protagonists. In fact, this trait can also be seen in the gesture of surprise adopted by one of the young girls in the scene and the lost look of the mother who seems totally oblivious to those who accompany her. Formally, it is also worth mentioning the opulence and sumptuousness of the tones used, highlighting the different qualities of the fabrics that make up the scene and that become the true protagonists of this image. The author emphasizes the personality of the protagonists, making a psychological study of the models. The distinguished attire of the father, with a frock coat and a wide-brimmed hat, reflects his aristocratic character, as well as the posture he adopts: with an erect posture, although his figure is barely visible. It is a choral group of portraits of characters belonging to the wealthy society of the time, a rich social group that shows all its opulence in a family portrait. It presents restorations.
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