Old Masters Day Sale
Old Masters Day Sale
Pietro Labruzzi
Portrait of a Greek boy, full-length, in a classical setting
Lot Closed
July 8, 02:49 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Pietro Labruzzi
Rome 1739 - 1805
Portrait of a Greek boy, full-length, in a classical setting
signed, located and dated lower left: Pietro Labruzzi Roma Pinx Anno 1802.
oil on canvas
unframed: 135.7 x 98.5 cm.; 53½ x 38¾ in.
framed: 151.6 x 115.6 cm.; 59¾ x 45½ in.
In the collection of the present owner for the last decade.
The sitter has previously been identified as the Grand Duke Nicolay Pavlovic, future Tsar Nicholas I. Comparison with other portraits of Nicholas however do not support his identification.1 In fact the boy appears to be a member of the Greek nobility. He wears the blue and white national colours of Greece, and his type of trousers, gilet and slippers were particularly popular when the Greeks tried to break free from Ottoman rule in the early 19th century. His setting is rich in accessories and emblematic references, for example the pan flute which alludes to the Greek god Pan, and in the background the winged horse which refers to Pegasus. The laurel wreath, another nod to Greek mythology (this time to Apollo), is a symbol of triumph - the épée and globe, and the words 'Victor' on the plinth, all point to a triumphant military destiny. The painting was probably commissioned by someone visiting Rome on their Grand Tour.
Pietro Labruzzi was the elder brother of the better-known Carlo Labruzzi. Pietro was born and died in Rome, and was recruited as a painter for the court of Stanislaus Augustus, King of Poland.
