Cardinal Rapaccioli

Artist Sassoferrato (Italian, 1609-1685, active in Rome)

Dateca. 1643

CultureItalian

MediumOil on canvas

ClassificationPaintings

ProvenanceMatthew White Ridley (1874–1916), 2nd Viscount Ridley, Blagdon, Nothumberland; by inheritance to his son, Matthew White Ridley (1902–1964), 3rd Viscount Ridley, Blagdon, Nothumberland; (sold Ridley sale, Christie’s, London, 28–29 July 1926, lot 116, as Carlo Maratta, for £89–5s, to Martin); John Ringling (1866–1936), Sarasota, Florida; bequest in 1936 to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Florida.

Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936

Object numberSN128

Distinctive for his vibrant colors, sculptural forms, and compositional clarity, Sassoferrato painted in a unique, almost nostalgic style that echoed the works of Raphael. The identity of this sitter remains uncertain, though it has been suggested that he may be Camillo Massimi (1620-1678), an avid art collector in Rome and patron of Nicolas Poussin and Diego Velázquez. Another proposed identification is Cardinal Paolo Emilio Rondinini (1617-1678), also an active patron of the arts. The portrait contains an element of self-advertisement by the artist, as the painting of the Madonna and Child in the background is also by Sassoferrato.

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On view

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