Anthony van Dyck, Cesar Alexander Scaglia (César-Alexandre Scaglia), c. 1654 |
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| Artist: | Anthony van Dyck (1599 - 1641) |
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| Title: | Cesar Alexander Scaglia (César-Alexandre Scaglia), c. 1654 |
| Medium: | Original Engraving |
| Image Size: | 9 3/4 in x 7 1/4 in (24.8 cm x 18.4 cm) |
| Sheet Size: | 9 3/4 in x 7 1/4 in (24.8 cm x 18.4 cm) |
| Framed Size: | approx. 23 in x 20 in (58.4 cm x 50.8 cm) |
| Edition: | A Mauquoy-Hendrickx State VIII (of VIII) engraved by Paulus Pontius (Antwerp, 1603 - Antwerp, 1658) in collaboration with Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp, 1559 - London, 1641); printed on a fine paper with a partial Foolscap with a Seven Pointed Collar and Three Balls watermark (Mauquoy-Hendrickx no. 126), dating the piece to c. 1654. |
| Signature: | Signed in the plate 'Ant. van Dyck pinxit' in the lower center; also signed 'P. Pontius fculp' in the lower left. |
| Condition: | This work is in very good condition; small tear in the lower left and lower right corners. |
| ID # | w-3728 |
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Price on Request
Questions? |
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A wonderfully detailed and charismatic portrait, this exquisite work illustrates the technical mastery and artistic vision of Van Dyck. Cesar Alexander Scaglia's stately yet approachable expression reflects Van Dyck's refined ability to comfort and relax his subjects, resulting in a realistic and acute portrait. Scaglia was an abbot and the Ambassador of the Duke of Savoy. Van Dyck conveys his subject in a casual pose, leaning against a table. Scaglia's garments are fairly minimal compared to other subject's in the series, yet he retains a distinct sense of personality with his shaggy hair and sharp, pointed eyes. He points his left index finger downward at an odd angle, directly towards his name in the text below the image, perhaps further emphasizing that this is indeed his portrait.
This portrait is a Mauquoy-Hendrickx State VIII (of VIII), engraved by Paulus Pontius (Antwerp, 1603 - Antwerp, 1658) in collaboration with Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp, 1559 - London, 1641) as part of his Iconographie series of engraved portraits of famous people at the time. The plate has been marked in the lower center of the plate "Ant. van Dyck pinxit" and in the lower left of the plate "P. Pontius fculp." Also marked "Cum privilegio" in the lower right of the plate." Beneath the engraved portrait is the inscription: CÆSAR ALEXANDER SCAGLIA ABBAS STAPHARDÆ ET MANDANICES. Beneath this inscription to the left in smaller text: Hic quem tacentem nobilis finxit manus | Nuper diferta principes lingua mouens | Momenta rebus magna perplexis dedit; to the right in smaller text: Sibi nunc filendo uiuit: actotum procul | Vndare Mundum tacitus, e Portu intuens | Animum ad futura doctus ex uifis parat. This piece is printed on a fine paper with a partial Foolscap with Seven Pointed Collar and Three Balls watermark (Mauquoy-Hendrickx no. 126), dating the piece to c. 1654.
DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:
1) Mauquoy-Hendrickx. L'Iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck: Catalogue Raisonne I. Bruxelles: Bibliotheque Royale Albert I, 1991. Listed as catalogue no. 64 on pg. 145.
2) Mauquoy-Hendrickx. L'Iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck: Catalogue Raisonne II. Bruxelles: Bibliotheque Royale Albert I, 1991. Illustrated as catalogue no. 64 on pg. 42.
3) A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.
PROVENANCE:
1. Unidentified collector's stamp on verso.
About the Framing:
Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, this piece is framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.
