Portrait of Julius Caesar, 1630, Oil on Canvas

Description

Great italian painting from the first half of the 17th century. Oil on canvas artwork, first canvas, depicting a splendid … more Great italian painting from the first half of the 17th century. Oil on canvas artwork, first canvas, depicting a splendid portrait of julius caesar. The painting in question seems to be inspired by a successful series of portraits of roman emperors created by tiziano vecellio for duke federico ii gonzaga and which adorned the walls of the ducal palace in mantua. These portraits were so successful that many painters, including bernardino campi, replicated them to meet the continuous demand of numerous patrons. Since the originals were sold to charles i of england and then passed to the king of spain and were destroyed in the fire of the alcazar in 1734, it was thanks to campi's replicas that titian's works are known to us. Our painting depicts julius caesar with the typical symbols of the victorious general: a magnificently painted laurel wreath, a purple cloak, a scepter and a particular frieze representing caesar's victory over the gallic leader vercingetorix with his beheading. It also has an inscription at the top "iulius caes rom-imp-i dictator perpetws". A painting of notable pictorial quality and difficult to find, for antique dealers and collectors of high-period portraits. 20th century wooden frame in good condition and beautifully decorated. Work that has undergone restoration work with the closing of some tears and subsequent application of patches on the back and recovery of color in small spots (see photo). Overall in a beautiful patina and good state of conservation. Sight size h 130.5 x w 99 cm. less