Lithographic portrait by Henry Grevedon after the painting by Lescot, overpainted in gouache and watercolour and laid down onto board. Ca. 1828
The composer is depicted half-length looking right, wearing a blue wide-lapelled coat and high-collared white shirt, black cravat, and dark pink waistcoat. With a small rectangular gold pin to the cravat and an honorary medal added to the coat's left lapel. Ca. 12.75" x 10.75". Framed and glazed. Overall size ca. 18" x 16".
The painting is accomplished and appears to be contemporary to the print’s publication. It is most likely that the original purchaser of the print commissioned a local artist to enhance it by painting over it rather than simply adding contemporary watercoloring as was the usual practice, which would considerably less time consuming. In any case, it is evident that the artist has brought his own subtle insight to the rendition of the work.
Provenance
The collection of the distinguished American mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne (b. 1934).
Cagli & Bucarelli: La Casa di Rossini Catalogo del Museo 84.
"No composer in the first half of the 19th century enjoyed the measure of prestige, wealth, popular acclaim or artistic influence that belonged to Rossini. His contemporaries recognized him as the greatest Italian composer of his time. His achievements cast into oblivion the operatic world of Cimarosa and Paisiello, creating new standards against which other composers were to be judged. That both Bellini and Donizetti carved out personal styles is undeniable; but they worked under Rossini's shadow, and their artistic personalities emerged in confrontation with his operas. Not until the advent of Verdi was Rossini replaced at the centre of Italian operatic life." Philip Gossett in Grove Music Online.
"Horne had a voice of extraordinary range, rich and tangy in timbre, with a stentorian chest register and an exciting top ... In concert she once achieved the feat of singing in a single programme Rossini arias and Brünnhilde’s Immolation Scene, proof of her exceptional versatility. Throughout her lengthy career she was an admired recitalist, singing lieder, mélodies, Spanish and American songs with equal aplomb." Alan Blyth in Grove Music Online.
Item #30330
Price: $1,500.00 other currencies