Lot 1143 Dα

Pompeo Batoni was without doubt the most sought after portrait painter in 18th century Rome. The career of this artist, who was born in Lucca and originally trained as a goldsmith, began with religious and mythological narrative paintings for which he received commissions from almost every royal court in Europe, including those of Frederick II of Prussia, Catherine II of Russia and Empress Maria Therese. His portraits were mainly requested by the Italian aristocracy, but also by foreign aristocrats making halt in Rome in the course of the Grand Tour. The present work, depicting an as yet unidentified sitter, was probably one such commission. The young man is shown before a dark background which emphasises his pale, fresh complexion, an effect which is further enhanced by the bright white of the collar and the vivid red accent of the vest visible beneath his tailcoat.
Batoni is considered one of the most innovative artists of his time with regards to both narrative and portrait painting. His portraits illustrate the transition away from the starkly formal and representative courtly portraits of the 17th century, to the new 18th century style which was marked by a more relaxed manner, concentrating more on the individual and psychological characteristics revealed within the sitter's features.