Portrait of an Ecclesiastic Wearing a Biretta

probably 1580/1590

Attributed to Annibale Carracci

Associated Names
Annibale Carracci

Artist, Bolognese, 1560 - 1609

The image depicts a detailed portrait drawing of a man. He is positioned in a three-quarter view, showing a clear side profile. The man has sharp facial features, including prominent cheekbones, a straight nose, and a slightly squared-off jaw. He has short hair and wears a cap or hat. His expression is neutral, with facial hair visible. The man is wearing a garment that covers his neck and shoulders, with a noticeable drape on his shoulder. The background is plain and lightly textured, adding depth to the portrait.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    red chalk heightened with white

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    Overall (approximate): 31.6 x 22.4 cm (12 7/16 x 8 13/16 in.)
    support: 39.8 x 30.8 cm (15 11/16 x 12 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1972.49.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Charles-Gilbert, Viscount Morel de Vinde (according to inscription on back of mount); Samuel Woodburn; Sir Thomas Lawrence (Lugt 2445); Samuel Woodburn; Lord Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere (Lugt 2710b), and by descent (sale, Sotheby's, London, 11 July 1972, no. 75); P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd., for NGA, purchase in 1972.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1836

  • The Lawrence Gallery, Sixth Exhibition, Messrs. Woodburn's Gallery, London, 1936, no. 67.

1952

  • Old Master Drawings, Leicester Museums and Art Gallery, 1952, no. 16.

1954

  • The Ellesmere Collection of Old Master Drawings, Museums and Art Gallery, Leicester, 1954, no. 84 (P. A. Tomory).

1961

  • The Carracci, Drawings and Paintings, The Hatton Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1961, no. 166 (as Follower of Annibale).

1974

  • NGA Recent Acquisitions 1974, no. 28.

Inscriptions

in unknown hand, lower left: Annibal Carache.; across center verso of mount: 34. Annibale Carracci. Portrait of a priestin a cap: red / chalk ... Sir Thomas Lawrence

Markings

Ellesmere (L. Supp.2710b)

Wikidata ID

Q64536768

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