Giovanni Boldini

(Italian, 1842-1931)

Portrait of a lady in profile painted c. 1897-1902

Footnotes

Provenance
The artists's studio
Enrico Piceni, Milan
Acquired directly from the above by the family of the present owner during the 1960s
Private collection, Milan

Having been educated in his home town of Ferrara, Boldini moved to Florence for several years, where from 1864, he was part of the Macchiaioli movement. In 1871, fascinated by the Parisian lifestyle, he moved to the French capital and became a leading figure among the artists represented by the dealer Goupil. During the 1880s Boldini returned to portraiture, his passion as a younger man, and established an international reputation painting large scale portraits of many of the most prominent members of the Belle Époque society.

Boldini loved to highlight the sensual beauty of his models, the 'divine creatures', with exaggerated necklines, decorated with precious silks and long pearl necklaces. The light but effective touch that defines the profile of this lady does not hide the prominent nose which is reminiscent of the features of the Duchessa Nicoletta Grazioli, who was painted by the artist in Ferrara in 1901. Boldini has concentrated on the sitter's rich raven-black hair which, softly bunched up on the top of her head, accentuate her refined features. Despite the cameo style severe elegance, Boldini once again is able to suggest the quiver of a living, emancipated and sensual woman.

We are grateful to Dott.ssa Francesca Dini for confirming the attribution to Giovanni Boldini, and for her assistance in cataloguing this lot, which will be included in the first supplement of the catalogue raisonné on the artist currently in preparation. The work will be sold with a photo-certificate from Francesca Dini.