Pittore italiano prossimo a Pietro Benvenuti

Romantic portrait by an unidentified Italian artist, in a style close to the manner of Pietro Benvenuti (1769 – 1844). The subject appears to be around 12 years old. While not entirely out of childhood, he is presented dressed as a young gentleman, with curly and tousled hair in the Romantic fashion, reflecting the direct attitude of an individuality that will be free and creative. Everything suggests a dating in the very early years of the nineteenth century. Oil on paper glued on canvas, applied to the original frame. The artwork is in very good condition, with small old restorations in marginal areas for no more than 2% of the painted surface; it would certainly benefit from a careful cleaning.