Pair of portraits of gentlemen, Northern Italy, 18th century

Elegant pair of male portraits, oil on panel, oval in shape. The two works depict mature gentlemen, presumably belonging to the cultured bourgeoisie or the minor nobility, with intense psychological introspection. The faces, captured in half-bust, emerge from a neutral background, with a marked use of chiaroscuro aimed at restoring depth and expressiveness. The oval format and the essential nature of the composition focus attention on individual identity, accentuated by the strong luminous modeling and the severe tone of the dark clothes. – The style, of late-Baroque derivation, presents echoes of 17th-century naturalism and is characterized by a dense and vibrant brushstroke, capable of capturing the incarnate matter and the dignity of the subjects. The two portraits, probably conceived as pendants, are perfectly balanced in terms of layout and chromatic tone, with an evident celebratory intent. Width cm. 29 height cm. 39 Each object in our Gallery is sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by an Expert of the Court and the CCIAA of Genoa