Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the Before 1700 period.
The girl, on the threshold of womanhood by the standards of the time, is almost certainly a member of a noble family, obviously a rich and powerful one as she wears a fortune in lace and pearls.
The sitter wears a beautiful mid-century dress with a plain white central stomacher panel set off by three wide curving lace panels. Her dress also has a flat bertha-like panel lining the neckline and lace flounces trimming her upper sleeves. Pink bows complement the gold-brown of her bodice and sleeves.
She looks directly and confidentally at the viewer standing dramatically against a dark background with the leaves of a bush shown to her right to slightly soften the darkness.
PIER FRANCESCO CITTADINI (Il Milanese) 1616 - 1681, was born in Milan where he studied under Daniele Crespi but, when he was 17, he entered the Bolognese workshop of Guido Reni.
Influenced as he was by Reni's style, he also absorbed the Venetian influences of Petro Testa and Pier Francesco Mola.
In his portraits, blending classicism with realism, he formed a truly sophisticated international style which won him considerable success in Bologna.
SIZE: Canvas 29.25 x 22 inches.
Frame: 40.75 x 35.25 inches.
PROVENANCE: English Private Collection.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the Before 1700 period.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
Portrait of a Young Noblewoman C.1660: Attributed to Pier Francesco Cittadini.
