Carlo Ceresa (Bergamo 1609 - 1679) attribuibile

Attributable to Carlo Ceresa (San Giovanni Bianco 1609 – Bergamo 1679) Full-length portrait of Giacomo Pesenti Oil on canvas (206 x 121 cm - framed 212 x 133cm.)   Complete details of this painting can be found directly from this - LINK -   This fascinating portrait, depicting a full-length gentleman and datable to the 17th century, illustrates the stylistic and compositional details typical of Lombard, and particularly Bergamasque, painting: this reference is reflected in elements such as 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 Bergamasque figure painters of the 17th century, capable of developing a style of intense realism and acute psychological investigation. In his works, and our portrait perfectly reflects the canons, are evident an extraordinary naturalistic imprint, great realism, remarkable essentiality.   Those traits of severity, moral rigor, and austerity typical of his portraiture find a perfect balance here: his portraits are never aulic or rhetorical but are profoundly linked to the concept of counter-reformation. Immortalizing the main personalities of the moment, he established himself as a point of reference for the Bergamasque aristocracy, from the Vertova to the Pesenti to the Secco Suardo.   The effigy of the portrait is Giacomo Pesenti, immortalized here in life-size with a rigorous black dress, his left hand resting on a table, on which is placed the necessary for writing and a manuscript, and his right, with a signet ring on his little finger, abandoned along his side while holding his gloves.   He wears a dress of incredible rigor, dressed as befits a man of his high social extraction, while the sharp light focuses on his face, with an intensity that seems accentuated by the reflection of the candid collar, with its clean profile.   For Ceresa, it is not the richness of the dress that gives value to the effigy; it is necessary to give feeling and bring out the character of the person, and he succeeds wonderfully, aided by his ability to grasp the essence of the person and return it to us in painting through the face and the light used as a strong expressive element.   The image, in fact, highlights that 'counter-reformed' composure typical of the portraiture of painters active in this area and era, adhering to a verism that includes austerity of intentions and character, which are resolved in portraits, such as the one under examination, of great impact and character.   The gentleman, with his long silvery hair and hinted mustache, is portrayed with a penetrating and fixed gaze at the observer, with an energetic and charismatic aspect, as befitted the members of the most influential Bergamasque families who reached power and wealth with the trade of fabrics and financial transactions. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   The painting is in good condition, and there are some losses on the canvas and frame related to the period that do not alter the reading of the work.   The work is sold complete with a wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.   We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.   It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.   Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.   Also follow us on:   https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/