Allegory of Study
Artist
Salvator Rosa
(Italian, 1615 - 1673)
Dateca. 1646-49
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsImage: 54 3/8 x 38 in. (138.1 x 96.5 cm)
Frame (Period Frame.): 65 1/2 x 49 1/2 x 3 3/4 in. (166.4 x 125.7 x 9.5 cm)
Frame (Period Frame.): 65 1/2 x 49 1/2 x 3 3/4 in. (166.4 x 125.7 x 9.5 cm)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN152
The young man at his desk was once thought to be Salvator Rosa himself. A prolific satirist and poet as well as a celebrated artist, Rosa produced many self-portraits in allegorical disguise. Although the face does not resemble that of Rosa the figure may symbolize the artist’s notion of himself as a philosopher and author. Contrary to common practice, Rosa did not often execute preparatory drawings for paintings, preferring to paint directly onto the canvas from the live model. The loose handling of the paint and brush reinforces the sense of immediacy with the sitter.
On View
On viewLocation
- Museum of Art, Gallery 07, Wall North
