Portrait Of A Member Of The Florentine Della Rena Family - Attr. To Gabriele Ferrantini

The large oil on canvas painting (115cm x 90cm) shows valuable pictorial qualities which actually justify the important commission. The character portrayed is, as reported by the writing on the paper held in his hand, Bernardo Della Rena. [ To the Very Magnificent Mr. Nar. (Nardo?) della Rena my very kind hearted one. Florence].

 The well-known Florentine Della Rena family, coming from the professional bourgeoisie of the city (Doctors and Jurists), includes the presence of the best known Cosimo Della Rena (Florence 1615-1692), historian and erudite antiquarian, who laid the foundations of ancient Etruscan and early medieval historiography in Tuscany, son of Orazio Della Rena, a well-known grand ducal politician.

This Bernardo Della Rena can be identified as their close relative, who had his portrait painted between the last quarter of the 16th century and the first quarter of the 17th century. From his elegant black damask dress it is clear that he may have held important positions such as that of jurist or notary, or, he may also have had bureaucratic positions within the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, given that he is portrayed with an inkwell and a stamp with coat of arms not very deductible, but interesting for study purposes on this remarkable portrait..

The area of ​​production, from a careful stylistic analysis, would seem to be that of Bologna, it is known that the city included important workshops of painters specialized in portraiture, such as that of Bartolomeo Passerotti (1529-1592) who then continued with his son Tiburzio Passerotti (1553-1612) or that of Prospero Fontana (1512-1597) who trained the skilled portrait painter, his daughter, Lavinia Fontana (1552-1612). It is arguable that the members of this Tuscan family were attracted by the art of some of these masters to be portrayed, given the great success they had among members of the aristocracies of the central-northern area.

The painting in question is worthy of more in-depth research both from a documentary point of view, given that it could be useful for the genealogical research of this important Tuscan family, and as regards the artist who painted it.

It is highly possible that the hand behind this painting is that of Gabriele Ferrantini known as Gabriele degli Occhiali (active in Bologna between the 16th and 17th centuries). His devotional production is widely documented, it would seem that he was an auteur portraitist in the noble circles of Bologna. A type of production by this artist, which however remains more incomplete and even better to identify.

The painting is provided with a splendid and antique golden rose Salvador frame with external measurements of 128 x 108cm.

The measurements of the canvas are: 115cm x 90cm

We attach to the sale a certificate of authenticity issued by our gallery which guarantees its age and authenticity.

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