Gaetano Gandolfi
1734-1802
Portrait of the Artist's Daughter Marta
ca. 1778
11 9/16 x 8 inches (292 x 203 mm)
Red and black chalk on paper.
1986.45
Purchased as the gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman.
Notes
Watermark: anchor in a circle surmounted by a star.
One of a series of studies, presumably of Gandolfi's own children. Three other studies of the same child are known: one is in the Albertina; one was sold in London (Sotheby's, 28 June 1979, lot 214); and one was on the art market in 1989 (Paul Rosenberg & Co., New York).
Gaetano and Giovanna Gandolfi had seven children. Their only daughter, Marta, was born in 1771. Gandolfi made a number of portraits of his daughter over the years, some of which show Marta with her hair braided in the same distinct way. Here, Marta, aged about five, is depicted resting her hand on a table as she leans forward, seemingly following a conversation. -- Exhibition Label, from "Life Lines: Portrait Drawings from Dürer to Picasso."
One of a series of studies, presumably of Gandolfi's own children. Three other studies of the same child are known: one is in the Albertina; one was sold in London (Sotheby's, 28 June 1979, lot 214); and one was on the art market in 1989 (Paul Rosenberg & Co., New York).
Gaetano and Giovanna Gandolfi had seven children. Their only daughter, Marta, was born in 1771. Gandolfi made a number of portraits of his daughter over the years, some of which show Marta with her hair braided in the same distinct way. Here, Marta, aged about five, is depicted resting her hand on a table as she leans forward, seemingly following a conversation. -- Exhibition Label, from "Life Lines: Portrait Drawings from Dürer to Picasso."
Inscriptions/Markings
Inscribed on verso in pen and brown ink, "Sig. Gaetano Gandolfi".
Bibliography
Ryskamp, Charles, ed. Twenty-First Report to the Fellows of the Pierpont Morgan Library, 1984-1986. New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 1989, p. 341.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
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