Harlequin as Painter, Giovanni Domenico Ferretti

Artwork Overview

Giovanni Domenico Ferretti, Harlequin as Painter
Giovanni Domenico Ferretti, Harlequin as Painter
Giovanni Domenico Ferretti
Harlequin as Painter
circa 1725–1750
Giovanni Domenico Ferretti
1692–1768
Harlequin as Painter, circa 1725–1750
Where object was made: Italy
Material/technique: oil; canvas
Dimensions:
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 33 x 48.2 cm
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 13 x 18 3/16 in
Credit line: Gift of Samuel J. Bloomingdale
Accession number: 1958.0028
Not on display
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Label texts

Archive Label 1999: Harlequin, the much beloved character from the Italian commedia dell'arte, playfully assumes here the role of a portrait painter. Unlike the more refined and professional portraitist in Maulbertsch's Artist in his Studio, which hangs nearby, Harlequin carelessly exaggerates the features of his imposing sitter in an unflattering manner. His apparent mockery of the woman has led some viewers to mistake the work as a comment on her vanity. However, the primary subject of this picture is Harlequin's own shameless overconfidence in his talents as a painter.