1294 - ALESSANDRO FALCA, KNOWN AS IL LONGHI

ALESSANDRO FALCA, KNOWN AS IL LONGHI (attributed) Portrait of a Gentleman with a Letter Oil on canvas, 100x77.5 cm The painting depicts a Venetian gentleman in half-length portrait, elegantly dressed in silver-gray silk with floral motifs, with a large red cloak draped over him. He wears lace cuffs on his wrists and a striking ring on his right hand—signs of his high social status. A letter sealed with red sealing wax lies on the table, a detail that alludes to his professional or correspondential relationships. The portrait, sober and naturalistic, is consistent with the style in which Alessandro Longhi portrayed the Venetian bourgeoisie and aristocracy of the late 18th century.