Antonio Francesco Mensi, Portrait of a Priest, 19th-century Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A fine 19th-century portrait of a seated Roman Catholic priest by Italian painter, Antonio Francesco Mensi (1800-1888). He’s wearing a clerical collar, a buttoned waistcoat over a white shirt, a black coat, and a gold pocket watch chain with religious iconography.

We imported the painting from Rome and the subject is likely Italian. We love his nonchalant expression and posture - with one arm casually draped over the chair. How do you feel about him?

Mensi was a gifted artist - note the attention to detail on the hand with its visible bone structure and perfectly rendered fingers. The pocket watch chain is also a masterclass in light and shade.

Mensi's talent was spotted from an early age and he gained an apprenticeship at the studio of Paolo Borroni (1749-1819). Following on from this, he trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence under Pietro Benvenuti (1769-1844). He's particularly known for his neoclassical religious scenes but also produced numerous portraits, including for Prime Minister, Urbano Rattazzi.

The portrait is signed/dated and held within a gilded frame with a decorative inner border.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 29” x 34½” / 74cm x 88cm

Year of creation: 1862

Provenance: Italy

Condition: Very presentable following a light restoration. Areas of craquelure but the paint layer is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some age-related wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

88cm (34.65")

Width

74cm (29.13")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA796111

Description

A fine 19th-century portrait of a seated Roman Catholic priest by Italian painter, Antonio Francesco Mensi (1800-1888).

“

He’s wearing a clerical collar, a buttoned waistcoat over a white shirt, a black coat, and a gold pocket watch chain with religious iconography.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. Antonio Francesco Mensi, Portrait Of A Priest, 19th-Century Painting — fig 1. Antonio Francesco Mensi, Portrait of a Priest, 19th-century Painting

We imported the painting from Rome and the subject is likely Italian. We love his nonchalant expression and posture - with one arm casually draped over the chair. How do you feel about him?

Mensi was a gifted artist - note the attention to detail on the hand with its visible bone structure and perfectly rendered fingers. The pocket watch chain is also a masterclass in light and shade.

fig 2. Antonio Francesco Mensi, Portrait Of A Priest, 19th-Century Painting — fig 2. Antonio Francesco Mensi, Portrait of a Priest, 19th-century Painting

Mensi's talent was spotted from an early age and he gained an apprenticeship at the studio of Paolo Borroni (1749-1819). Following on from this, he trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence under Pietro Benvenuti (1769-1844). He's particularly known for his neoclassical religious scenes but also produced numerous portraits, including for Prime Minister, Urbano Rattazzi.

fig 3. Antonio Francesco Mensi, Portrait Of A Priest, 19th-Century Painting — fig 3. Antonio Francesco Mensi, Portrait of a Priest, 19th-century Painting

The portrait is signed/dated and held within a gilded frame with a decorative inner border.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 29” x 34½” / 74cm x 88cm

Year of creation: 1862

Provenance: Italy

Condition: Very presentable following a light restoration. Areas of craquelure but the paint layer is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some age-related wear.